A San Antonio judge has ordered a psychiatric evaluation for 23-year-old Samuel Aquim Charon, accused of sexually assaulting and killing 63-year-old Stacey Dramiga along the Salado Creek Greenway last year. Charon remains in Bexar County jail on $1 million bail as the court assesses whether he understands the capital murder charge. Magistrate Liza Rodriguez will receive an update on March 5, 2026.
Judge Orders Competency Exam
Court records show a magistrate ordered a psychiatric exam to determine whether Charon is competent to face the capital murder charge, the San Antonio Express-News reports. He remains in Bexar County jail on $1 million bail. If found incompetent, he would enter a competency-restoration program until deemed fit for trial.
Investigators Say DNA Led To Arrest
Authorities say DNA from Dramiga’s body matched Charon’s profile from an April felony booking, KSAT reports. A second sample confirmed the match, leading to his October arrest on capital murder and tampering-with-a-corpse charges. Sheriff Javier Salazar said the attack appeared to be an ambush and that Charon showed little emotion when questioned.
Autopsy And Scene Details
An autopsy found Dramiga died from blunt and penetrating head trauma, with signs of sexual assault, and her body was set on fire, officials told PEOPLE. She was reported missing on Sept. 22, 2024, after a morning walk. Her phone was traced via the Find My app to DaFoste Park, where deputies found her remains near the Salado Creek Greenway. Clothing at the scene matched what she had worn the previous day.
What This Means In Court
If the court finds Charon incompetent, Texas rules call for him to be placed in a restoration program where he would receive mental health treatment until he is able to understand the proceedings, court documents show, as reported by the San Antonio Express-News. Magistrate Liza Rodriguez is set to get an update on March 5 and may schedule additional hearings depending on what the evaluation finds. The competency process can significantly delay indictment deadlines and trial schedules in capital cases.
Case Timeline And Community Tips
Hoodline covered Charon’s October arrest and initial capital murder charge. Authorities continue to seek public tips, and Crime Stoppers previously offered a reward for information, KSAT reports.
