The death penalty trial, which was expected to begin this week, ended with the dismissal of the case

SAN ANTONIO – Felony murder charges were dismissed Tuesday for two men accused of double murder and arson to cover up the crime.

The jury was expected to be selected at the trial Juan Antonio Reyes but the case was dismissed by the District Attorney’s Office due to lack of evidence, according to online court records.

The District Attorney’s Office told KSAT that the state could not proceed with the case due to doubts regarding the testimony of the key witness.

“While this case may be difficult to prove in front of a jury beyond a reasonable doubt, our office was prepared to prosecute the case and fight for the victims of this crime,” the statement said. “Recently, a required witness for the State made statements to our office that cast doubt on the accuracy of his statements. Without the testimony of this primary witness, the State cannot prove the identity of the defendants to the jury at trial beyond a reasonable doubt.”

The case of Reyes’ co-defendant, John Bishop Torres, was also dismissed on Tuesday.

They were accused of fatally shooting two of Reyes’ relatives and setting their homes on fire in 2022.

The victims, Sergio Soto, 39, and his aunt, Rachel Martinez, 51, were found by firefighters after they put out the fire.

Both victims were shot in the head, according to the arrest affidavit.

Investigators used surveillance footage to identify Reyes and Torres as suspects. The video reportedly shows the two leaving the home shortly after it was set on fire, according to court documents.

in October, Reyes’ lawyers informed the judge There would be no further delay in the case, and both parties appeared ready to go to trial.

Reyes previously had a felony assault with a deadly weapon charge in 2018 but was dismissed in 2021 because a witness was missing.

Since there are no other cases pending, Reyes will be released from prison. Torres is expected to be paroled.