San Antonio families are watching a federal case unfold that could erase the convictions of two New Mexico police officers tied to the death of Hector Nava, a San Antonio native who worked in the oil fields. Nava died on July 31, 2021, after being tased 14 times during a traffic stop in Jal, New Mexico.
Background of the case
Officers Ceasar Enrique Mendoza and Robert Edward Embly were found guilty on civil‑rights violations in February 2026 and faced sentencing in June. A third officer, Corey Patrick Saffell, pleaded guilty and testified against Mendoza and Embly. The convictions were based on evidence presented at trial that the officers used excessive force during the stop.
Federal motion to dismiss
In a recent filing, the U.S. Attorney’s Office argued that the original trial was unfair because prosecutors excluded evidence of Nava’s drug use and the medical cause of death. The motion seeks to dismiss all charges against both officers, a step that would effectively nullify their convictions.
Family response
Nava’s family says they were not notified of the motion in advance and are now working to prevent the convictions from being overturned. They maintain that the officers’ actions were unlawful and that the dismissal would undermine accountability for the loss of their loved one.
Legal context
Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Patrick Saffell, who has served in the office for 22 years, has never before filed a motion to dismiss a conviction. The filing raises questions about the standards for civil‑rights prosecutions and the handling of evidence that may be favorable to defendants.
Judicial status
U.S. District Judge Margaret Strickland has not yet ruled on the motion. The case remains on hold pending her decision, and the outcome will likely influence how similar federal civil‑rights cases are prosecuted in the future.
What’s next?
Both the Nava family and federal prosecutors are expected to present further arguments in the coming weeks. The community will be watching closely, as the decision could set a precedent for how law‑enforcement accountability is pursued at the federal level.
Stay tuned to 550 KTSA and FM 107.1 for updates on this developing story.
Original reporting: KTSA News/Talk (San Antonio) — read the source article.
