Round Rock Community Mourns 14-Year-Old Victim of Tragic Hit-and-Run; Driver Sentenced to 80 Years

Round Rock Community Reels From Tragic Incident

In the quiet city of Round Rock, Texas, a heartbreaking incident has shaken the community to its core. An Austin man, Leandro Brito-Martinez, has been sentenced to an astonishing 80 years in prison after being found guilty of murdering a 14-year-old boy named Tobias “Victor” Soto in a horrific hit-and-run crash that occurred on July 31, 2022. The tragic news has left many residents grappling with the loss and wondering how something so devastating could happen.

The Incident That Shook Round Rock

The events of that fateful day unfolded rather quickly. Law enforcement officials initially received a tip from a law enforcement traffic camera system indicating that a stolen vehicle was speeding down Gattis School Road. When officers located the vehicle in the La Frontera area and attempted to pull it over, Brito-Martinez decided to take off instead. He hit the gas and accelerated to nearly 100 mph, weaving dangerously through traffic on Louis Henna Boulevard.

As the chaos ensued, the stolen car ran a red light, crashed into another vehicle, and tragically struck Tobias, who was innocently walking in the intersection. It all happened so quickly; the entire sequence of events transpired within mere seconds and covered less than a quarter of a mile. It was a normal day for Tobias, who had just gone to visit a friend, but it would end in a way that no one could have ever anticipated.

A Mother’s Grief

Tobias’s mother, who lived just a stone’s throw away, was about to approach the intersection when she noticed the commotion and the first responders. Little did she know that this was not just a traffic accident but a horrific turn of fate that would change her life forever. When she learned of the tragic outcome, it was as if her world had crumbled right before her eyes.

“I can’t picture my life without him,” she lamented, expressing the deep void left by her son’s untimely death. Tobias was set to begin his freshman year at Round Rock High School and had dreams of playing football. It’s moments like these that reveal the fragility of life and the deep bonds families share.

The Court’s Verdict

On the day of the verdict, a Williamson County jury found Brito-Martinez guilty of murder, holding him accountable for his reckless actions that led to the tragic death of a child. His past also paints a troubling picture. With a lengthy criminal record that includes charges for unlawful possession of a firearm and evading law enforcement, it seems clear that Brito-Martinez’s previous encounters with the law didn’t deter him at a crucial moment when lives were at stake.

Following the accident, he fled on foot but was soon apprehended by Round Rock police. During questioning, Brito-Martinez admitted that he saw the police behind him and planned to run regardless of what they did. This shocking lack of regard for life and safety has left many in the community feeling a mix of anger and sorrow.

Community Response

With heavy hearts, residents have expressed their condolences to Tobias’s family and shared their outrage over the senseless tragedy. District Attorney Shawn Dick spoke from a place of empathy, acknowledging the profound impact that the death of a child has on everyone involved. “Our hearts go out to Tobias’ mother and family, as well as all of the first responders and witnesses to this horrific event,” he stated, emphasizing the community’s collective grief.

A Cautionary Tale

This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the dangers posed by reckless driving and the far-reaching consequences that can arise from a single reckless decision. As Round Rock begins to heal from this incident, the hope is that the community will come together to honor Tobias’s memory and continue advocating for safer roads and justice for victims’ families.