ROUND ROCK, Texas — An Austin man has been sentenced to 80 years behind bars for a crash that caused the death of a teenager in Round Rock in July 2022.
On Wednesday, a jury in Williamson County found 28-year-old Leandro Brito-Martinez guilty of the murder of 14-year-old Tobias Victor Soto.
Soto was crossing the intersection of W Louis Henna Blvd. and La Frontera Blvd. when a car driven by Brito-Martinez came flying down the road. In a release provided by the Williamson County District Attorney's office, it details the moments that led up to the tragedy.
Brito-Martinez was in a stolen car at the time. When Round Rock officers tried to pull him over, he sped off at nearly 100 mph on Louis Henna Blvd., where he crashed into another driver at the intersection and struck Soto.
The DA's office provided KVUE with the video of the moments leading up to the crash through the lens of a Round Rock police officer in their cruiser.
The video shows Brito-Martinez from a distance as the officer tries to catch up to him. After the crash, he gets out of the car and runs off. However, police eventually caught and arrested him.
Officials said Soto's mother lived nearby and hadn't heard from her son, who had gone to visit a friend. Soto's mother tracked him through his phone, which led her to the intersection where the crash had happened, and eventually learn of her son's death.
“Our hearts go out to Tobias’ mother and family, as well as all of the first responders and witnesses to this horrific event. Any case involving the death of a child takes an immeasurable toll," said Williamson County District Attorney Shawn Dick. "This conviction is a testament to the tireless efforts of our law enforcement and prosecution teams. Brito-Martinez’s actions resulted in a senseless tragedy, and today’s verdict ensures he is held accountable. My office remains committed to seeking justice for victims and their families.”
According to the DA's office, Brito-Martinez has a lengthy criminal history that included prior convictions for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and resisting arrest.
At the time of Soto's death, Brito-Martinez was facing pending charges that included fleeing from a police officer, evading/resisting arrest and assault on a public servant.