An Austin man, Leandro Brito-Martinez, 28, has been sentenced to 80 years of incarceration for a vehicular homicide that occurred in July 2022, resulting in the death of 14-year-old Tobias Victor Soto. According to a report by KVUE, the jury in Williamson County convicted Brito-Martinez of murder after he struck Soto at the intersection of W Louis Henna Blvd. and La Frontera Blvd.
Following an attempt to pull him over, Brito-Martinez floored the stolen vehicle he was driving, careening at nearly 100 mph before crashing into another driver and striking Soto, who was crossing the street. The fatal incident was recorded on video captured by a Round Rock police cruiser, detailing Brito-Martinez's flight and subsequent arrest after he fled on foot from the crash scene, as disclosed by the Williamson County District Attorney's office in a statement obtained by KVUE.
The calamity unfurled close to Soto's home; his mother, having not heard from him for hours, traced him through his phone only to arrive at the crash site. Learning from officials of her son's demise. Williamson County District Attorney Shawn Dick remarked, "Our hearts go out to Tobias’ mother and family, as well as all of the first responders and witnesses to this horrific event," in a statement shared with KVUE.
Who had a history riddled with prior convictions, Brito-Martinez's record included unlawful firearm possession, unauthorized vehicle use, and resisting arrest, and also faced pending charges at the time of Soto's death said the DA's office. This historical pattern of Brito-Martinez's run-ins with the law was underlined by KVUE.
Soto, who had been looking forward to starting high school and joining the football team, is remembered fondly as an aspiring athlete and an avid reader with a passion for cooking and learning. His uncle Jorge Rodriguez described him as "an all-around well-rounded guy" in an interview with FOX 7 Austin, noting that although his life was brief, it was an inspiration for others to emulate.
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