3 trial dates slated for Fonseca

Gregory Fonseca, the man charged in connection with numerous criminal activities over the past several months, including the alleged break-in of the Silver Star Saloon on March 31, received three trail reset dates Wednesday during proceedings before Judge W.C. Kirkendall’s 2nd 25th Judicial District Court.

Fonseca, 43, of Gonzales, remains in the Gonzales County Jail awaiting trial dates of June 5, 21 and 24.

Fonseca is charged with burglary of the nightspot located in the 800 block of St. Paul Street, as well as failure to identify after he gave Gonzales police a false name when they apprehended him. In addition, Fonseca was found to have three outstanding arrest warrants for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and an outstanding warrant for failure to appear (bail jumping).

Fonseca is being held on more than $200,000 bond – $50,000 for each of three aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charges, $50,000 for failure to appear, $2,500 for burglary of the Silver Star and $1,000 for failure to identify. According to jail administrative personnel, Fonseca is on a parole hold because of the failure to appear, and is expected to remain in custody.

Police were called to the Silver Star about 10:50 p.m. March 31 where it was discovered that entry to the building had been gained by breaking in a door. According to police scanner communication among responding officers, Fonseca led police on a brief foot chase in the neighborhood.

When police apprehended the suspect, EMS was summoned to treat a cut Fonseca sustained in the alleged break-in.

Following the arrest and incarceration, investigators collected blood specimens from several areas inside the saloon, which are believed to link Fonseca to the crime.

Fonseca was sentenced to 60 years in prison in October 1985 for the stabbing murder of a 16-year-old following a dispute inside the Lynn Theatre. Fonseca was 15 years old at the time.

Fonseca fled the scene of the June 25, 1985 crime, and eluded capture by police until the next day. He was indicted for murder and tried as an adult, largely because of his previous criminal record; he had been incarcerated at the Texas Youth Council on burglary charges at the age of 12, then violated parole after being released and was returned to TYC.

Since being paroled for the 1985 conviction, Fonseca was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in March 2010 and was arrested by Gonzales police two months later on outstanding warrants. He posted $50,000 bond and was released.

Fonseca then allegedly stabbed two 19-year-old men during an altercation at a quinceanera at Hermann Sons Hall in November 2011.