In Re John Sopuch, Connor Nash, and James S. Bell v. the State of Texas

• Court: Texas Court of Appeals, 4th District (San Antonio)
• Decided: January 14, 2026
• Docket: 04-25-00816-CV
• Status: Published

Opinion

Fourth Court of Appeals San Antonio, Texas January 14, 2026

No. 04-25-00816-CV

IN RE John SOPUCH, Connor Nash, and James S. Bell

Original Proceeding 1

ORDER

Sitting: Rebeca C. Martinez, Chief Justice Lori Massey Brissette, Justice Velia J. Meza, Justice

Relators filed their petition for writ of mandamus on December 16, 2025, and an emergency motion for stay on December 17, 2025. Relators challenge a sanctions order issued on July 28, 2025. Mandamus is an extraordinary remedy, available only when the relator can show (1) the trial court clearly abused its discretion or violated a duty imposed by law; and (2) there is no adequate remedy by way of appeal. Walker v. Packer, 827 S.W.2d 833, 839-40 (Tex. 1992) (orig. proceeding). Having considered the petition, the motion, and the accompanying record, this court concludes relator did not show it is entitled to the relief sought. Accordingly, the petition for writ of mandamus is DENIED. See TEX. R. APP. P. 52.8(a). The emergency motion for stay is DENIED AS MOOT.

It is so ORDERED on January 14, 2026.

_____________________________ Rebeca C. Martinez, Chief Justice

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of the said court on this 14th day of January, 2026.

_____________________________ Caitlin A. McCamish, Clerk of Court

1 This proceeding arises out of Cause No. DC-25-34, styled Antonio E. Mercado and Nancy L. Mercado v. Epic Crude Pipeline, LP, et al, pending in the 229th Judicial District Court, Duval County, Texas, the Honorable Baldemar Garza presiding.