Man sentenced to 80 years in prison for accident that killed 14-year-old

ROUND ROCK, Texas – An Austin man has been sentenced to 80 years in prison for a crash that led to the death of a teenager in Round Rock in July 2022.

On Wednesday, a Williamson County jury found 28-year-old Leandro Brito-Martinez guilty of murdering 14-year-old Tobias Victor Soto.

Soto was crossing the intersection of W Louis Henna Blvd. and La Frontera Blvd. when a car driven by Brito-Martinez flew down the street. A press release from the Williamson County District Attorney's Office details the moments leading up to the tragedy.

Brito-Martinez was in a stolen car at the time. When Round Rock officers tried to stop him, he sped at nearly 100 miles per hour on Louis Henna Blvd. of where he collided with another motorist at the intersection and struck Soto.

The district attorney's office provided KVUE with the video of the moments before the crash through the lens of a Round Rock police officer in his patrol car.

The video shows Brito-Martinez from a distance as the officer tries to catch up with him. After the accident, he gets out of the car and runs away. However, the police eventually caught and arrested him.

Officials said Soto's mother lived nearby and had not heard from her son, who was visiting a friend. Soto's mother tracked him through his phone, which led her to the intersection where the accident occurred, and eventually learned of her son's death.

“Our condolences go out to Tobias’ mother and family, as well as all first responders and witnesses to this terrible event. “Any case involving the death of a child takes an immeasurable toll,” said Williamson County District Attorney Shawn Dick. “This conviction is a testament to the tireless efforts of our law enforcement and prosecution teams.” Brito-Martinez's actions led to a senseless tragedy, and today's verdict ensures he is held accountable. My office remains committed to achieving justice for the victims and their families.”

According to the DA's office, Brito-Martinez has a lengthy criminal history that includes prior convictions for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, unlawful use of a motor vehicle and resisting arrest.

At the time of Soto's death, Brito-Martinez had pending charges of fleeing a police officer, evading/resisting arrest and assault on an officer.