BEXAR COUNTY, Texas – A Bexar County man who admitted to killing his wife and concealing her decomposing body for more than a month has been sentenced to 35 years in prison.
Charles Byrd, 50, entered a plea of no contest on Tuesday in the 226th Criminal District Court regarding the 2025 murder of his wife, Angela Byrd. The plea brings a somber end to a legal saga that exposed the brutal circumstances surrounding the victim’s death and raised significant questions regarding police conduct during the initial investigation.
The investigation into the case took a contentious turn last month when defense attorneys argued that evidence collected from the couple’s trailer home should be suppressed. During pre-trial hearings, attorney Rafael Leal contended that Bexar County Sheriff’s deputies violated the Fourth Amendment by entering the residence without a warrant.
Bodycam footage played in court revealed that a deputy, Jose Garcia, entered the trailer after Byrd’s son had already gained access through a side window. Once inside, Garcia reported being overwhelmed by a “foul odor.” Prior to that entry, the footage showed Garcia discovering a mattress outside the home that appeared to contain dried blood and a piece of human skin.
While the prosecution argued that the deputy had sufficient probable cause to enter the home, Judge Benjamin Robertson expressed concerns regarding the timeline of the search. Robertson had initially taken the motion to suppress under advisement, questioning the legality of the evidence gathered between the deputy’s initial entry and the eventual issuance of a formal arrest warrant. However, with Tuesday’s no-contest plea, the case concluded before the judge had to issue a final ruling on the admissibility of that evidence.
Investigators revealed that Angela Byrd’s body had been discovered wrapped in plastic bags and rugs, hidden within the trailer. Forensic evidence and statements in the arrest warrant suggested that the victim had been deceased and hidden for approximately 32 days before the discovery.
At the time of the incident, it was revealed that Charles Byrd had been employed by a local school district, a detail that shocked the community. With his 35-year sentence now finalized, the case highlights the ongoing severity of domestic violence in Bexar County.
If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic violence, resources are available. KSAT maintains a list of support services on its Domestic Violence webpage, which includes guidance on identifying signs of abuse. If you are in immediate danger, call or text 911. For comprehensive support, including shelter and wrap-around services, contact Family Violence Prevention Services at (210) 733-8810 or the Bexar County Family Justice Center at (210) 631-0100. The Texas Advocacy Project also offers free legal assistance via its Legal Line at 800-374-HOPE.
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