AUSTIN, Texas —
The family of a man who was allegedly killed by Raul Meza Jr. has responded to an apology issued by the Austin Police Department (APD).
Recently, the interim police chief apologized for the mishandling of Gloria Lofton’s murder case.
Investigators believe her accused killer, Raul Meza Jr., went on to kill Jesse Fraga. He is now on trial for both of their deaths.
"How does a person this level of evil manage to stay on the streets? That is beyond my comprehension," Fraga's brother-in-law, Oscar Mota, said.
The KVUE Defenders first reported that an APD homicide detective received a finding in May 2020 that Meza's DNA was at the scene of Gloria Lofton's murder.
"If they had done their job back then, my brother in law would still be here," Mota said.
The department said the detective did not act on the report because they were working on a special assignment for the May 2020 protests.
Three years later, Meza was arrested in the death of 80-year-old Jesse Fraga and APD disclosed the previous report in an affidavit.
The department said the detective was not disciplined because it did not realize what happened until after a 180-day deadline to impose discipline.
"Why does 180 days have anything to do with? You know, just like crimes, the statute of limitation doesn't run out in 180 days for something of this magnitude. OK? So, I don't understand that," Mota said. "I don't want a formal apology. I'd like for Austin and the APD to consider making right for his family."
Interim Chief of Police Robin Henderson apologized for the department's mishandling and the ways in which the mistake impacted the original case, the Austin community, the victims and their families.
"They don't try to right or wrong or correct a mistake. It's almost an insult on top of injury," Mota said. "Because, again, saying 'I'm sorry' – yeah. Formal apology, great. But, you know, it just carries very little with it."
In her apology, Henderson added that the department has since implemented several measures to make sure this kind of mistake never happens again.
Meza is scheduled to appear in court this Thursday for a pretrial hearing for the murder charges.
Investigators said he could be linked to at least 10 other cold cases in the city.