‘It just made my heart shatter into a million pieces again’ | Central Texas family devastated as son’s alleged killer released after bond reduction

UHLAND, Texas — A Central Texas family said they are reliving their grief after learning that the man accused of killing their son has been released from jail following multiple bond reductions.

Andrew Farias was shot and killed at a graduation party in Uhland in May 2025. According to the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect, 18‑year‑old Chad Lee Gardner, was released on Monday. Farias’ mother, Shannon Vasquez, said his release came after a judge lowered Gardner’s bond from the original $1 million, to $350,000, and later to $200,000.

Investigators said Gardner shot Farias during a fight at a high school graduation celebration on the night of May 25, 2025. Farias had recently graduated from San Marcos High School…

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