Former Texas Prosecutor Erin Benavides Dies by Suicide in Port Aransas

Key points

• Benavides was found dead with a self-inflicted gunshot wound in her Port Aransas home on Oct. 14 after a welfare call.
• She served as an assistant district attorney in Texas' 38th Judicial District from Jan. 2023 until her resignation in Aug. 2026.
• Police documented three firearms and multiple bullets at the scene, though no foul play is suspected.
• Benavides was previously married to San Antonio Spurs player Brent Barry from 1998 to 2010.
• She was accused in 2010 of having an 'emotional affair' with Tony Parker, who was then married to Eva Longoria.

Background

Benavides gained national attention in 2010 when her then-husband, Brent Barry, divorced her citing an alleged emotional affair with his teammate Tony Parker. Eva Longoria, Parker's wife at the time, later confirmed the affair in interviews, leading to her divorce from Parker in 2011. Benavides denied the affair. She subsequently built a career in law and child advocacy, serving as president of the Youth Center of Texas from 2020 to 2022. This follows other high-profile suicide cases in Texas, such as that of actor RJ Mitte in October 2026.

How outlets are covering it

The New York Post and Page Six emphasize the connection to the 2010 celebrity scandal involving Longoria and Parker, framing her death through that historical lens. Yahoo and WOAI focus more on her professional identity as a prosecutor and the recent timeline of her resignation and death. Page Six provided exclusive police report details, including the presence of three firearms, which other outlets did not highlight. All sources agree on the cause of death and the lack of foul play, but differ in emphasis between her celebrity-adjacent past and her professional career.

Why it matters

The death of a public figure linked to a major celebrity scandal highlights the long-term personal consequences of media scrutiny. It also underscores the ongoing challenges faced by public figures in managing mental health and professional transitions, particularly after high-profile divorces and public accusations.

What to watch

The Nueces County Medical Examiner's Office is determining the official cause and manner of death. The Port Aransas Police Department investigation remains active. Tributes are expected from colleagues in the 38th Judicial District and child welfare organizations where she served.