Plaza to prison for Dilley murder

By Editor | September 17, 2025

Maximum sentence in restaurant slaying

Two years after shooting a man in cold blood on Halloween night, Aaron Joel Plaza has been sentenced to 30 years in prison by District Judge Jennifer Dillingham.
The September 10 sentencing came four months after Plaza pleaded guilty to the murder of Severo San Miguel.
Plaza, who was 29 at the time of the crime, walked into the Mi Cabana restaurant in downtown Dilley shortly after 6:30 p.m. on Halloween in 2023 and, according to evidence presented in court, sat directly across from San Miguel and initiated a verbal altercation. Investigators reported that when San Miguel stood up from his seat, Plaza also stood and shot him once in the abdomen.
San Miguel’s wife, sister and nephew were present when he was fatally shot.
The gunshot victim was rushed to Frio Regional Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries at 6:37 p.m. Plaza fled the scene immediately after the shooting but was shortly apprehended.
According to the district attorney’s office, Plaza pleaded guilty to the murder on April 28, which offered him a plea agreement that capped his possible punishment at 30 years.
However, a contested sentencing hearing was held, during which Plaza asked for the minimum of five years in prison. Prosecutors argued for the maximum sentence allowed under the agreement, which the court ultimately imposed.
Plaza will serve his sentence in a unit of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Institutional Division.
Assistant District Attorney Leslie Carranza prosecuted the case with investigation results and support from the Dilley Police Department and Frio County Sheriff’s Office.
“This case represents a heartbreaking loss for a family,” District Attorney Audrey Louis wrote in a press release. “Mr. San Miguel was taken from his loved ones in a senseless act of violence that occurred in front of those who cared about him most. While no sentence can undo the pain they’ve endured, we hope this outcome brings a measure of justice and peace as they continue to grieve his loss.”
Frio County Sheriff Peter Salinas extended condolences to the family and lauded his team of investigators for their work in the investigation.
“Violent crime in our community can never be tolerated,” the sheriff said. “The negative effects of these crimes are everlasting. We are thankful for the cooperation between our local and state law enforcement agencies as well as our prosecutors. Together we successfully held this person accountable for this despicable act and hope this will allow for the closure and healing to the victim’s loved ones, healing they deserve.”