A San Antonio man, Christopher Preciado, 21, has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the December 2023 murders of Savanah Nicole Soto, 18, her boyfriend, Matthew Guerra, 22, and their unborn child. The verdict, reached after less than two hours of deliberation, brings a measure of closure to a case that gripped the city and sparked widespread grief. The tragic events unfolded after what authorities have described as a botched drug deal, leading to a series of desperate actions and devastating loss.
The case began to unravel on December 22, 2023, when Soto’s family reported her missing after she failed to appear for a scheduled induction appointment. Soto was eight months pregnant at the time. Family members told investigators they last heard from Soto and Guerra on December 21st. The couple’s disappearance quickly raised alarm, prompting a search that culminated in the discovery of their bodies inside a vehicle on December 26th. Both Soto and Guerra had suffered gunshot wounds to the head, according to police reports.
The investigation rapidly focused on Preciado, and a Texas Department of Public Safety CLEAR alert – the state’s system for locating missing adults – was issued for Soto on Christmas Day. Investigators were able to trace information from Soto’s cellphone, which was found in the vehicle where the bodies were discovered, leading them to identify a vehicle of interest captured on surveillance footage. The release of images of that vehicle to the public ultimately led authorities to a home where Christopher Preciado and his father, Ramon Preciado, were located.
The Arrests and Allegations
Christopher Preciado was arrested on January 3, 2024, and charged with capital murder. His father, Ramon Preciado, 53, was subsequently arrested and charged with abuse of a corpse, accused of assisting his son in moving the bodies. According to an arrest affidavit, Christopher Preciado told police that Guerra had pulled a gun on him during the drug deal, and that he was able to “manipulate it.” This account, however, remains a central point of contention in the case.
The investigation expanded to include Christopher Preciado’s mother, Myrta Romanos, who was arrested on allegations of attempting to cover up the crime. She and Ramon Preciado were initially charged with multiple counts of altering, destroying, or concealing human remains, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with evidence. However, in February 2025, prosecutors unexpectedly dismissed all charges against Myrta Romanos after a court denied a request for a reset of the trial date, KSAT News reported.
The Trial and Verdict
The trial of Christopher Preciado began earlier this month, presenting a harrowing account of the events leading to the deaths of Soto, Guerra, and their unborn child. Prosecutors presented evidence detailing the alleged drug deal, the confrontation, and the subsequent attempts to conceal the crime. The defense argued that Preciado acted in self-defense, claiming Guerra initiated the violence. However, the jury ultimately sided with the prosecution, finding Preciado guilty on all counts on Thursday afternoon.
The jury’s decision came after approximately one hour and 56 minutes of deliberation. Following the guilty verdict, Judge Velasquez immediately sentenced Preciado to life in prison without the possibility of parole, as mandated by Texas law for capital murder convictions. The courtroom was filled with emotion as the verdict was read, with family members of the victims present.
The Aftermath and Remaining Legal Matters
While Christopher Preciado’s fate is now sealed, the legal proceedings are not entirely over. Ramon Preciado was released from the Bexar County Adult Detention Center in February 2025 after his bond was reduced, and his case remains ongoing. The dismissal of charges against Myrta Romanos adds another layer of complexity to the case, leaving unanswered questions about the extent of her alleged involvement.
The deaths of Savanah Soto, Matthew Guerra, and their unborn child have left a lasting impact on the San Antonio community. The case highlights the dangers of illegal drug activity and the devastating consequences of violence. It also underscores the importance of swift and thorough investigations in bringing perpetrators to justice.
The next step in the case involves the continued proceedings against Ramon Preciado. A court date has not yet been set. Updates on his case will be available through the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office.
This tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of community support in the face of loss. If you have been affected by violence, resources are available. You can reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit their website for confidential support and assistance.
We encourage readers to share their thoughts and reflections on this case in the comments below.
