⏱ 2 min read
A federal jury in San Antonio has convicted an Ecuadorian national of threatening to murder a park ranger at the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. Sergio Renato Tapia, 31, left a voicemail on July 24, 2023, with a violent threat to murder a National Park Service ranger. Rangers quickly recognized Tapia’s voice and tipped off the U.S. Marshals Service, leading to his arrest on July 26.
Tapia had a history with park rangers, having been cited numerous times for unlawful possession of a controlled substance at Mission Concepcion, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and active Catholic church. This week, a jury unanimously found Tapia guilty of intentionally communicating a threat to murder a federal official, rejecting his insanity defense after just one hour of deliberation.
The National Park Service and U.S. Marshals Service investigated the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Mangels leading the prosecution. The case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative targeting violent crime and cartel activity.
Tapia faces unspecified penalties for his crime, but one thing is clear: the justice system has delivered a verdict that sends a message to those who would threaten our nation’s protectors.
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📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Violent Crime
- Defendant: Texas
- Location: TX
- Source: DOJ Press Release
