A beautiful smile that could light up a room is how loved ones remember Richard Jesse Sandoval Jr., a young man of many talents whose life was tragically cut short at the age of 23. Born in San Antonio, Texas, on December 17, 1992, Richard was a devoted son and brother, known for his wonderful sense of humor and his particular closeness to his mother. He was a talented artist and poet who had attended Burbank High School. An avid fan of the San Antonio Spurs, he enjoyed playing basketball himself. Friends and family also knew him as an excellent cook, renowned for his specialty: the perfect steak. His warmth and creativity were a gift to all who knew him.
In the pre-dawn hours of Tuesday, April 5, 2016, Richard was at his family’s home on the South Side of San Antonio. He had been spending time with a few friends out in front of the house in the 200 block of Wellington Street. At some point, he briefly went inside to speak with his girlfriend before heading back out. Within a minute of his return outside, at approximately 3:45 a.m., several gunshots rang out in the quiet neighborhood.
When officers from the San Antonio Police Department arrived, they found a heartbreaking scene. Richard was lying unresponsive in the street, surrounded by his distraught family members. Emergency medical crews were dispatched to the home and immediately tried to revive him, but his injuries were too severe. Richard Jesse Sandoval Jr. was pronounced dead at the scene from gunshot wounds.
The San Antonio Police Department immediately launched a homicide investigation into Richard's death. Detectives began working to determine what led to the fatal shooting and to identify who was responsible for pulling the trigger. In the immediate aftermath, police reported that they were searching for suspects, but no description of a shooter or a vehicle was publicly released. The investigation into the slaying of the 23-year-old was active, but the motive remained unclear.
In the days following the devastating loss, Richard's family was left to grieve and plan his farewell. He was survived by his parents, Richard A. Sandoval Sr. and JoAnn Fernandez Sandoval; his grandmother, Julia Fernandez; a brother and two sisters; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was even missed by his beloved pet Chihuahua, "Camacho." He was preceded in death by his uncle, Joe Sandoval, his grandfather, Jose Fernandez, and a nephew, Xavier Lee Esparza.
A visitation was held on April 12, 2016, at Hillcrest Funeral Home, where family and friends gathered to share memories and comfort one another. A Rosary was recited that evening in his honor. The next day, a final procession led Richard to his resting place at Wildflower Memorial Park. The community mourned the loss of a young man known for his kindness, his artistic soul, and the joy he brought to his family.
Years have passed since Richard Sandoval was killed in front of his home, but the case remains unsolved. As of late 2026, no arrests have been announced, and no suspects have been publicly identified by the San Antonio Police Department. The questions of who shot Richard and why continue to haunt his family and friends. His case is one of many in San Antonio that year, a city that saw over 100 homicides in 2015. For those who loved him, the pain of his absence is a constant reminder of a life full of promise that was violently stolen.
