Austin driver gets 80-year prison sentence for killing 14-year-old Round Rock pedestrian
An Austin man who ran over and killed a 14-year-old boy in Round Rock in 2022 while driving a stolen car has been sentenced to 80 years in prison, officials said. A Williamson County jury found Leandro Brito-Martinez, 28, guilty of murder Wednesday in the death of Tobias "Victor" Soto.
The incident happened July 31, 2022, after Round Rock police received information through a law enforcement traffic camera system about a stolen vehicle headed west on Gattis School Road, the Williamson County district attorney's office said a news release.
Officers found the vehicle in the La Frontera area, activated their emergency lights and tried to stop the driver, later identified as Brito-Martinez, the release said. Brito-Martinez began to drive nearly 100 mph and weaved through traffic on Louis Henna Boulevard, according to the release.
"Despite the efforts of the Round Rock police to disengage, the vehicle ran a red light, smashed into another car in the intersection, and then struck and killed 14-year-old Tobias Soto, who was walking in the intersection," officials said.
Brito-Martinez fled on foot but was later arrested by Round Rock police, the release said. He said he saw police behind him before they tried to stop him and that "he was going to flee regardless of the police actions," the release said. It said the entire incident happened in seconds and covered less than a fourth of a mile.
Tobias's mother, who lived in a nearby apartment complex, hadn't heard from her son, who had gone to visit a friend, officials said. His phone showed him at the intersection of Louis Henna Drive and Texas 45, the release said. "As she approached the intersection, she observed the first responders and was told of the horrific outcome of Brito-Martinez's actions," according to the release.
Soto was going to be a freshman at Round Rock High School, where he wanted to play football, his mother has said.
Brito-Martinez has a lengthy arrest record, including convictions for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and resisting arrest. At the time of this murder, Brito-Martinez was facing pending charges of fleeing from a police officer, evading/resisting arrest and assault on a public servant.
"Our hearts go out to Tobias' mother and family, as well as all of the first responders and witnesses to this horrific event," District Attorney Shawn Dick said. "Any case involving the death of a child takes an immeasurable toll. 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."
