May 29, 2009

There's new information concerning a police involved shooting that led to the death of a 28 year old Sinton man. 3 News has obtained both the autopsy and toxicology reports, related to the case.

Corpus Christi Police say 28 year old Sylvester Villasana was shot by officer Justin Sanders after Villasana refused to listen to police commands and continued to approach Sanders.

According to autopsy results, three bullets struck Villasana, once in the right middle thigh, the mid upper chest, and the left forehead.

There was other evidence of injury to his body including two one centimeter irregular red abrasions perhaps indicating a taser did make contact with Villasana.

Toxicology tests done as part of the autopsy found alcohol and nicotine in Villasana, but no sign of legal or illegal drugs. The Blood Alcohol Level Concentration results showed 0.066.

The shooting of Villasana happened back on May 9Th in a vacant lot at the corner of Port and Dillon Lane. Villasana reportedly started running towards the officer with a knife and possibly a cell phone in hand.

Acting Police Chief Mike Walsh told us Friday it appears Villasana was ten feet or less from the officer. Both a criminal and internal investigation is ongoing.

Chief Walsh says a meeting Friday about this case determined that investigators might be able to present the case to the District Attorney as early as next week.

They're missing three crucial things. One they want to make sure they have all their witnesses. The goal is to talk to anyone who saw any portion of this altercation. Investigators are looking for at least one or two more witnesses. Second, they need the finalized autopsy report, and third the result of the crime scene investigation all the photos and other evidence associated with the scene.

Villasana was wearing an ankle monitor on his right ankle that was noted in this autopsy report. The 28 year old was reportedly on probation out of San Patricio county for aggravated assault.

Corpus Christi Police Officer's Association President Mike Staff says from everything he has heard from the shooting it appears to be totally justified. Police are trained that allowing an armed suspect within 21 feet is too close for comfort.