by San Antonio, Texas — A Christmas Eve argument inside a San Antonio home ended in deadly violence after a woman allegedly shot and killed her boyfriend following a dispute over a car and a cellphone, according to county officials.
Authorities say the shooting occurred early Wednesday morning, adding to concerns about a surge in domestic violence cases during the holiday season.
Deputies Respond to Early Morning Shooting
According to the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched around 6:30 a.m. to the 100 block of Mallow Grove after receiving reports of a shooting.
When deputies arrived, they found a 42-year-old man suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. Emergency responders attempted life-saving measures, but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity has not been publicly released.
Woman Taken Into Custody
Investigators identified Courtney Renee Hooper, 36, as the suspect in the shooting. She was taken into custody shortly after deputies arrived and is now facing a murder charge, according to officials.
Local television footage captured Hooper being escorted to jail. When asked if she had anything to say in her defense, she claimed she was “protecting” herself.
Sheriff Javier Salazar addressed the case during a press conference later that day.
Video Evidence Raises More Questions
Salazar said Hooper voluntarily provided investigators with a video she believed would support her claim of self-defense. Instead, authorities say the footage had the opposite effect.
“Notably, she provided us with a video that she felt would exonerate her,” Salazar said. “But in reality, after watching that video, it just seemed like that made her seem even more guilty. It’s a pretty clear-cut case at this point.”
Investigators have not released details about what the video shows, citing the ongoing nature of the case.
Argument Allegedly Escalated Quickly
According to law enforcement, the shooting stemmed from an argument involving a car and a cellphone. What began as a dispute escalated into violence, ending with the fatal gunshot.
Officials have not said whether alcohol or drugs were involved, nor have they released details about how long the argument lasted before the shooting occurred.
History of Domestic Calls at the Address
Sheriff Salazar noted that deputies were familiar with the residence, citing an extensive history of domestic-related calls to the address. However, he clarified that most of the prior incidents involved men other than the victim.
Authorities say this background is relevant as investigators work to understand the dynamics that led to the deadly confrontation.
Holiday Period Raises Domestic Violence Concerns
Salazar emphasized that his office consistently sees a rise in domestic violence-related crimes around the holidays, including assaults and homicides.
Read Also: Natural Gas Explosion Causes Building Collapse at Pennsylvania Nursing Home
“Domestic violence doesn’t just go away,” Salazar said. “It doesn’t stop happening on its own. It doesn’t go away if you ignore it.”
He added that unresolved domestic conflicts often escalate over time, sometimes with fatal consequences.
“It’s one of those crimes that continues to escalate,” Salazar said. “Unless some sort of external factor happens — a breakup, separation, or removal from the situation — it keeps escalating to the point where somebody is going to die.”
Suspect Held Without Bond
Hooper is currently being held at the Bexar County Jail without bond, according to jail records. Her next court appearance is scheduled for March 24.
Prosecutors have not yet announced whether additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities say detectives are continuing to review evidence, interview witnesses, and analyze the video provided by Hooper. No further details have been released about the firearm involved or whether it was legally owned.
As the case moves forward, sheriff’s officials reiterated the importance of addressing domestic violence early and seeking help before conflicts turn deadly.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, local resources and national hotlines are available to provide confidential support.
What are your thoughts on how communities can better prevent domestic violence during high-stress periods like the holidays? Share your perspective in the comments below.
