Galveston Police Discontinue Gunshot Residue Tests After False Positive Leads to Wrongful Arrest

Galveston, TX – The Galveston Police Department has recently discontinued the use of a gunshot residue (GSR) testing kit following a troubling case in which an inaccurate test result contributed to the wrongful arrest of an innocent man.

The incident began when Sanddy Diaz-Pino, a 37-year-old resident of Humble, Texas, was accused of the murder of Patrick William Wright, age 29. The shooting occurred on Friday evening in the 3500 block of Avenue R, with Mr. Wright tragically sustaining fatal gunshot wounds to the chest.

Faulty Evidence Leads to Arrest

Part of the basis for Mr. Diaz-Pino’s arrest was a gunshot residue test performed by Galveston police. The test indicated the presence of gunshot residue on Diaz-Pino, prompting police to file murder charges against him. However, as the investigation progressed, serious questions arose about the accuracy and reliability of this test.

New Evidence and Discontinued Tests

On the Tuesday following the incident, police obtained video evidence that clearly demonstrated Mr. Diaz-Pino was not the shooter. In response, investigators began to reevaluate the validity of the GSR test results. Subsequent internal tests performed by the department—on individuals who had not fired a gun—also produced false positive results.

Recognizing the serious implications of these findings, Galveston police have now discontinued the use of this specific gunshot residue test. According to an official city statement:

“Investigators determined the current test is faulty and have discontinued its use.”

Additional Factors and Witness Testimony

The initial decision to charge Mr. Diaz-Pino was also based on eyewitness testimony. According to court documents, a witness stated that Wright confronted Diaz-Pino, who was working as an Uber driver at the time, and then lunged at his vehicle before gunshots were heard. It remains unclear whether the witness’s account contributed to the false accusation.

Charges Dismissed

Ultimately, after reviewing the new video evidence and reassessing the credibility of the gunshot residue tests, the Galveston County District Attorney’s Office moved quickly to dismiss all charges against Mr. Diaz-Pino.

Legal Takeaways: Why Reliable Evidence Matters

This case highlights the importance of using reliable forensic evidence in criminal investigations. Faulty tests can lead to wrongful arrests, lost time, and emotional trauma for innocent individuals. At Zendeh Del & Associates PLLC, we are dedicated to ensuring that our clients’ rights are protected, and that law enforcement agencies are held to the highest standards of accuracy and fairness.

If you or a loved one has been wrongfully accused of a crime in Galveston or surrounding areas, our experienced criminal defense attorneys are here to help. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.