Court Documents Reveal Details on Downtown Homicide

SAN ANGELO, TX — Details regarding the stabbing death of Mark Anthony Palacio have been released.

Johnny Fernandez, 41, of San Angelo, was arrested and charged with murder after allegedly stabbing Palacio, 32, in the abdomen. Pedro Rivera, 25, was also arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

According to court documents, the stabbing occurred around 1:29 a.m., on March 21, 2026, stemming from an earlier altercation at The Pour House Pub, 115 Paint Rock Road.

San Angelo Police Department officers responded to a report of a stabbing at 125 East Concho Avenue, near the parking lot of Ranch 125. Upon arrival, they found Palacio suffering from a stab wound to his abdomen. He was transported to Shannon Medical Center but succumbed to his injuries several hours later despite lifesaving efforts.

Investigators reviewed police officers body-worn camera footage from the prior incident at The Pour House Pub, security camera recordings from the scene, and witness statements. Palacio reportedly arrived at on foot at Ranch 125 and was approached by a group including Fernandez, driving a red Chevrolet pickup, John Patrick Chavez, driving a white Ford pickup, Rivera, and an unidentified male.

Footage reportedly shows the group surrounding Palacio after he was denied entry to Ranch 125. Chavez allegedly struck Palacio in the face with a closed fist. Palacio retreated across the parking lot, pursued by the three males. An unidentified male produced a knife, which was then handed to Fernandez, who approached Palacio while holding the knife. Moments later, Palacio — showing a large red stain on his shirt — retreated in fear before collapsing.

Fernandez was identified through a Chevrolet dealership work shirt visible in footage matched by employees shown still images. Rivera was also identified from prior body-cam footage where he allegedly told Palacio, "Wait 'till I see you again (expletive)."

Rivera was arrested and booked into the Tom Green County Jail, where his bond is set at $100,000.

Fernandez's bond was set at $1 million.

San Angelo Police Chief Travis Griffith addressed the incident in a press conference, noting detectives quickly identified all parties involved through video evidence and interviews. The case remains under investigation, with no additional arrests reported.

It was the second homicide in San Angelo last week after a 16-year-old was stabbed to death by a 17-year-old on Wednesday.