SAN ANTONIO — Two years have passed since 81-year-old Ramon Najera was killed in a dog attack on Depla Street, a tragedy that prompted San Antonio to reevaluate its approach to aggressive and dangerous dogs.
On February 24, 2023, Najera and his wife, Janie, were attacked by a group of pit bulls that escaped from a nearby yard. Ramon was killed, and Janie was seriously injured.
Images from that day show firefighters standing on top of a car with pickaxes trying to get the dogs away from the couple.
The dogs’ owners, Christian Moreno and Abilene Schnieder, were charged, convicted, and sentenced to 15 and 18 years in prison, respectively.
“It was a case of criminally negligent behavior,” Judge Velia Meza said as she handed down the punishments.
Moreno and Schnieder are appealing their sentences, saying the responsibility falls on the city. That process is moving through court now.
Since the attack, the Najera family has become vocal advocates for reform, pushing for changes at both the state and city levels.
“I think about him every day, what he would be doing. But I think he would be extremely proud of all of us,” said Raymond Najera, Ramon’s son.
In the past year, Raymond noted some progress, including San Antonio introducing new consequences for irresponsible dog owners.
Lawmakers are also advocating for state-level reforms, including a bill named after Ramon Najera.
During the sentencing, Janie Najera, who survived the attack, addressed the couple, saying, “You have left an everlasting impact in our lives.”
Janie Najera also expressed her belief that the city should share responsibility, stating, “There’s somebody that should be sitting right there next to you guys, and it should be the city, the city should be sitting right there next to you guys because they’re guilty too.”
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And the city could get their day in court.
The Najera family has filed a federal lawsuit against San Antonio.
Raymond says the city could have done more to protect his father and all the neighbors on Depla and Darby Streets.
“There were too many calls to that street number. Something should have been done before that,” he said.
The Najera family spent the morning at the cemetery, reminiscing about memories with their father and grandfather and imagining what he might be doing today if he were still with them.
They say they’re proud of the progress made but acknowledge there is still a long way to go in their fight for justice and reform.
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