On February 3, 2025, a Tarrant County jury acquitted a Fort Worth man accused of murder in the fatal stabbing of his friend, finding he acted in self-defense.
Jurors in Judge Lee Gabriel’s court deliberated less than three hours before clearing Juan Ramos Escamilla of all charges related to the death of his friend, Augustine Pineda. The defense team of Kara Carreras, Christy Jack, and Audrey Hatcher argued that Escamilla was acting in self-defense when Pineda was stabbed.
“This case is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly chaos can escalate into tragedy,” Carreras said. “Juan was forced to defend himself, his wife, and her friends in a moment of fear and confusion during an argument with his friend.”
On July 31, 2023, police responded to a stabbing call just before 3 a.m. at Escamilla’s house in the 4500 block of Merida Avenue. When they arrived, they found Pineda had been stabbed one time in the abdomen. Escamilla was arrested at the scene.
During the trial, 43-year-old Escamilla testified in his own defense. He told the jury that during a gathering at his home, Pineda became increasingly drunk, aggressive, and violent.
A physical altercation ensued outside between Pineda and several females, including Escamilla’s wife. Escamilla intervened to protect himself and his wife and, when Pineda lunged at him, Escamilla stabbed him one time with his pocketknife. He died later at an area hospital.
“Everyone has the right to defend themselves and those they love,” Jack said. “This was a classic case of self-defense and I’m grateful the jury agreed.”
