Enrique Martin Ayala is an 18-year-old San Juan, Texas resident indicted in February 2025 on three counts of attempted capital murder of a peace officer, along with aggravated robbery and resisting arrest, after allegedly stabbing three San Juan police officers who had responded to a family violence call at his home. He is being held at the Hidalgo County Adult Detention Center on bonds totaling $3.25 million.1MyRGV. San Juan Man Indicted for Stabbing Three Police Officers
What Happened on December 3, 2024
San Juan police responded that night to a residence in the 400 block of Cancun Lane after Ayala’s mother called to report that her son was assaulting her. According to San Juan Police Chief Leandro Sifuentes, the mother told officers Ayala had pushed her after she destroyed his narcotics. Officers had previously responded to the same address for a drug-related call.2KRGV. Bond Set for Teen Accused of Stabbing Three San Juan Police Officers
When officers tried to remove Ayala from the home, he slipped out of their grip, grabbed a kitchen knife, and stabbed all three.2KRGV. Bond Set for Teen Accused of Stabbing Three San Juan Police Officers He then fled the residence, allegedly attempted to rob a vehicle, and stabbed a bystander, Anthony Barron, in the process.1MyRGV. San Juan Man Indicted for Stabbing Three Police Officers
The Officers Who Were Stabbed
Officer Matthew Martinez was stabbed in the chin, neck area, and left ear. Officer Anthony Meza was stabbed in the left shoulder blade. Officer Anthony Soto was stabbed in the left upper torso under his armpit.1MyRGV. San Juan Man Indicted for Stabbing Three Police Officers Chief Sifuentes described them as “seriously injured” and “heavily bleeding” at the scene.3KRGV. Community Reacts After 3 San Juan Police Officers Stabbed During Domestic Violence Call Two were initially placed in the ICU in stable condition.4MyRGV. 3 San Juan Police Officers Stabbed During Family Violence Call Two were released from the hospital on December 4, and the third the following day. All three survived.5KRGV. San Juan Police Officers Stabbed While on Duty Released From Hospital
Indictment and Bond
Ayala was arraigned on December 4, 2024, and pleaded no contest at the arraignment. Bond was set at over $3.2 million.2KRGV. Bond Set for Teen Accused of Stabbing Three San Juan Police Officers
On February 20, 2025, a Hidalgo County grand jury indicted Ayala on five charges:1MyRGV. San Juan Man Indicted for Stabbing Three Police Officers
- Three counts of attempted capital murder of a peace officer
- One count of aggravated robbery
- One count of resisting arrest
He remains held at the Hidalgo County Adult Detention Center on total bonds of $3,250,000. As of the most recent reporting, he was scheduled for arraignment on the indictment charges, with no trial date publicly set.1MyRGV. San Juan Man Indicted for Stabbing Three Police Officers
What He Faces if Convicted
Under Texas law, attempted capital murder of a peace officer is a first-degree felony. Texas H.B. 1871, passed in 2025, sets a punishment range of 25 years to 99 years or life in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for this offense and makes those convicted ineligible for parole or mandatory supervision.6Texas Legislature. HB 1871 Analysis The law took effect September 1, 2025.7LegiScan. Texas HB 1871 Text Because the alleged offense occurred in December 2024, which version of the statute governs at sentencing would depend on how the courts apply the change to conduct predating its effective date.