Charges dismissed against victim’s family for murder in rage

SAN ANTONIO – The family of an elderly Vietnam veteran is demanding justice after the case of the man accused of stabbing him several months ago was dismissed.

Gary Battles, 76, was killed April 20 during an argument with a neighbor at the OP Schnabel Apartments on S. Main Ave. fatally stabbed north of downtown. Anthony Adams, 36, was charged with murder after police said they found him at the scene with the knife in his hand. But months later, a grand jury decided not to indict him.

“My father was 76 years old and was killed by a 36-year-old man,” said his daughter Leticia Battles. “I know my father was killed and justice was not served.”

Battles’ obituary describes him as a “culinary master with a heart of gold” whose love of cooking led him to pursue a career in restaurant and university kitchens.

“Gary was a veteran who proudly and honorably served as a paratrooper in Vietnam and his country. Not only did he have a knack for preparing delicious dishes, but he also valued the act of feeding others,” his obituary continued. “His dedication to his craft and warm personality made him a popular figure on the San Antonio scene.”

His daughter Leticia called him an amazing man, thoughtful and funny. “Without him, I wouldn’t have the strength to do half the things I do in life.”

When she found out her father had been stabbed to death in his apartment complex, Leticia took at least some comfort in the fact that the police had made a quick arrest. Investigators said it appeared Battles and Adams got into an argument that turned into a physical altercation, with Adams stabbing Battles multiple times in the chest.

“There are many discrepancies in the entire situation and my father deserves justice,” Leticia said. “He deserves the truth and he deserves to have the murderer arrested.”

However, months later, Leticia learned that the case had been tried before a grand jury and Adams was not billed. The grand jury decided not to indict him for her father’s murder.

“I was devastated, angry, hurt and disappointed,” she said.

Case closed.

“That’s it, everything is done,” she explained. “It’s over. And it’s not fair. It’s not fair at all. I will suffer for the rest of my life.”

However, Anthony Adams’ defense attorney called it the right outcome and said justice had been served. On the phone, Marissa Giovenco said they planned to claim self-defense if this case had gone to trial.

For one thing, she said, the confrontation took place outside of Adams’ apartment, meaning Battles came to him. And while Adams held a metal fence post, it was Gary who was armed with the knife, police said.

According to investigators, at some point during the fight, Adams gained control of the knife and stabbed Gary multiple times. Adams also suffered injuries during the fight, Giovenco said, that required hospital treatment.

November 21st would have been Gary Battles’ 77th birthday. His family decided to celebrate and eat at Chopsticks Chinese Buffet, one of his favorite restaurants. They say they will continue to keep his memory alive and fight for him just as he fought for them.

“It never ends for me,” Leticia said.