Brother of hit and run suspect jailed for tampering

More than a month after a San Marcos man was fatally struck while riding his bicycle along Interstate 35, two people have been arrested in connection with the case. 

John Lyon, 53, died on May 27 after he was struck along the I-35 West Access Road near Yarrington Road. On June 20, 47-year-old Gilbert Villegas was arrested near Houston and charged with leaving the scene of an accident. Nine days later, his brother Daniel Villegas. 50, also found himself behind bars, charged with tampering with evidence related to the case. 

Kyle police say more arrests are probable, as the vehicle Villegas was driving at the time of the accident — a charcoal gray 2009-2010 Kia Optima with damage to its front passenger side mirror— has not been located.

“We believe additional individuals and charges may be forthcoming, as it is possible that family or friends aided in covering up details about the accident up to and including hiding the Kia and making false statements to investigators,” Lt. Andre Marmolejo of the KPD said.

The city of Kyle did not specify what evidence Daniel Villegas is accused of tampering with.

Daniel Villegas’ charge is a third degree felony. He was released from jail the same day he was admitted on a personal recognizance bond.

Gilbert Villegas remains jailed. His bond for leaving the scene of an accident involving death, a second degree felony, was set at $300,000. Along with his brother, he was also charged with tampering with evidence and his bond on that charge is $25,000.

Kyle Police Chief Jeff Barnett praised his investigators for their work on the case and also credited assistance from the Gulf Coast Violent Offender Task Force, the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force and the U.S. Marshal’s Service.

Anyone with any information in the case, including the whereabouts of the vehicle, is urged to call Kyle Police at 512-238-3232.