A Tucson man has been acquitted of second-degree murder after a jury deemed the fatal shooting he faced trial for was self-defense.
Salvador Blancas, 32, walked out of Pima County Superior Court Thursday a free man following a six-day trial in which he faced prison time for the August 2021 fatal shooting of Christopher Romero, 29, in a strip club parking lot.
Blancas and Romero did not get along and had been arguing about a girl, according to court records filed by Blancasโ attorney. The two ended up at the Eden Nude Cabaret during the early morning hours not knowing the other was inside.
Blancas, hoping to avoid an altercation with Romero, decided to leave. A bouncer, however, warned him that Romero was waiting outside.
When Romero re-entered the club, Blancas made his exit, records show.
Romero then followed Blancas into the parking lot and to his vehicle. Blancasโ attorney said his client was terrified that Romero was coming to harm him, as he had previously stated he would.
When Romero got close, Blancas, who was trying to find his keys, reached inside his vehicle, grabbed a gun and fired a single shot at Romero.
Following the shooting, Blancas drove immediately to the police station and turned himself in, explaining that he fired in self-defense, court records show.
Blancas was eventually charged with suspicion of second-degree murder.
Jurors heard from bouncers and witnesses from the club, as well as self-defense experts. They also watched security footage. And they heard about the tumultuous past between the men, including a 2019 incident in which Romero tried start a fight at Blancasโ place of employment, court records show.
Jurors deemed the incident self-defense after a day of deliberation.
In a packed courtroom, Blancasโ family rejoiced after hearing the not guilty verdict, defense attorney Josh Hamilton said.
Hamilton said murder charges were not warranted in the case.
โThe Legislature has taken great pains to make sure Arizonans who have to take action to protect themselves are protected by the law. So, individuals who take action to protect themselves should not face criminal prosecution,โ Hamilton said.
โThe jury understood the case. They understood what the case was actually about, and entered a not guilty verdict accordingly.โ
Hamilton said Blancas is eager to get on with his life.
โHeโs relieved to have his life back and to now be able to build his reputation and resume life,โ Hamilton said. โHeโs a father, a member of his family and community and plans to fully reengage in all of these things now that cloud has lifted.โ
Prosecutors from the Pima County Attorneyโs Office said they were disappointed in the verdict.
โTwo of our seasoned prosecutors worked diligently presenting this case to a jury in what we believe was an unjustified murder of the victim,โ the office said in a prepared statement. โWhile we are disappointed with the outcome of the case, we respect the decision from our community of jurors, who have the final say.โ
