SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – Nicholas Hernandez, 24, was apprehended on November 27th in connection with the killing of 31-year-old Julie Marie Butcher. Butcher, a mother of four, was tragically shot in the head while driving on the I-35 access road near Rittiman Road on November 8th. The arrest of Hernandez came almost three weeks after Butcher was found deceased in her vehicle.
Investigative documents revealed that a witness observed a small blue and silver sedan firing at Butcher’s car, with video footage capturing the described vehicle fleeing the scene following the shooting. Subsequently, an anonymous tipster identified a man by the name of “Nick Hernandez” as the alleged shooter, disclosing that he drove a Volkswagen Jetta. This “Nick” was later identified as Hernandez through further investigation.
Upon searching Hernandez’s residence, law enforcement discovered a black duffle bag and basketball in his bedroom. Three additional witnesses were contacted, with one stating that Hernandez had confessed to involvement in a road rage incident where a vehicle was shot and rolled into a ditch. Another witness mentioned that Hernandez asked him to dispose of two 9mm shell casings retrieved from the Jetta on the night of the shooting.
Further incriminating evidence against Hernandez surfaced when phone records placed his device in the vicinity of the shooting around the same time it occurred. As a result, Hernandez was taken into custody on November 27th and charged with murder.
Following the suspect’s arrest, Butcher’s family issued a statement expressing gratitude for the progress made in seeking justice for their loved one. Despite the pain of the loss, the family commended the efforts of law enforcement and the community’s support. Donations are still being accepted to aid Butcher’s four children, as the family continues to navigate through their grief and pursue closure and healing.