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

Fourth Court of Appeals
San Antonio, Texas

MEMORANDUM OPINION

No. 04-25-00816-CV

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

Original Proceeding 1

PER CURIAM

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

Delivered and Filed: January 14, 2026

PETITION FOR WRIT OF MANDAMUS DENIED; EMERGENCY MOTION FOR STAY
DENIED AS MOOT

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

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.
04-25-00816-CV

writ of mandamus is DENIED. See TEX. R. APP. P. 52.8(a). The emergency motion for stay is

DENIED AS MOOT.

PER CURIAM

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