San Antonio man sentenced in beating death of security officer
San Antonio TX April 5 2019
A man who pleaded guilty in the death of a longtime San Antonio Museum of Art security guard in October received a 50-year prison term Tuesday.
Benito Menesess was arrested last year and charged with murder in the death of Robert Esparza Sr., 68, who workedfor more than 20 years with SAMA. His body was found Oct. 15 at his home in the 300 block of West Harding on the South Side by co-workers who were concerned that he had not shown up for work.
Officials said Esparza was bludgeoned to death in his home.
Two of Esparza’s vehicles were reported missing from the home, officials said. One of them, a Toyota Tacoma that was recovered on the East Side on Oct. 16, 2018, contained evidence that led detectives to Menesess.
As part of an agreement with prosecutors that was reached before Judge Catherine Torres-Stahl on Tuesday, Menesess pleaded guilty to the murder charge and was assessed a 50-year prison term. Because Menesess has served time in prison twice for convictions for assault family violence, he is considered a habitual offender.
Esparza’s family was at the sentencing in the 175th state District Court on Tuesday. The man’s son, Robert Esparza Jr., faced Menesess during an emotional victim impact statement.
“Nothing will ever heal my family,” he told Menesess. “Nothing will ever bring my dad back.”
