The Cadena-Reeves Justice Center has been operating with just one working public elevator for nearly three weeks, and now an elevator used to transport inmates through the courthouse is also out of service.

A clogged toilet brought a murder trial to an unexpected halt at the Bexar County Justice Center after water flooded a courtroom last week.

There was anything but business as usual inside one of the courtrooms at the Cadena-Reeves Justice Center on Friday.

According to Judge Ron Rangel, there is no more space at the justice center to accommodate the need for more judges.

The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office has stepped up security at the Cadena-Reeves Justice Center and Bexar County Courthouse following several incidents inside the buildings.

A busy week at the Cadena-Reeves Justice Center as three murder trials are underway.

Water also seeped through walls down to three courtrooms on the fourth floor, 187th District Court Judge Stephanie Boyd said. ”We had some major damage in our court coordinator’s office,” Boyd said. ”We’re trying to keep the courthouse safe from folks coming in and getting sick as a result of the pandemic,” Rangel said. Rangel said that will likely continue in spite of any water damage. Related: Water pipe bust floods Bexar County DA’s office, damages files

The Bexar County District Attorney’s Office said a busted water pipe damaged some files, equipment and furniture inside the Cadena-Reeves Justice Center. The Bexar County District Attorney’s Office said a busted water pipe damaged some files, equipment and furniture inside the Cadena-Reeves Justice Center. (Bexar County District Attorney’s Office)The Bexar County District Attorney’s Office said a busted water pipe damaged some files, equipment and furniture inside the Cadena-Reeves Justice Center. (Bexar County District Attorney’s Office)The Bexar County District Attorney’s Office said a busted water pipe damaged some files, equipment and furniture inside the Cadena-Reeves Justice Center. (Bexar County District Attorney’s Office)The Bexar County District Attorney’s Office said a busted water pipe damaged some files, equipment and furniture inside the Cadena-Reeves Justice Center.

SAN ANTONIO When Jeremy Sanchez, 25, was sentenced to eight years in prison Friday, State District Judge Ron Rangel ventured into what is expected to eventually become normal legal territory. Due to the Covid-19 protocol in the Cadena-Reeves Justice Center, the sentencing hearing was whats being called a Hybrid procedure, conducted partially in court but with witnesses testifying remotely. The decision to proceed in that manner was made when the courtroom across the hall was closed due to coronavirus concerns. You always know to expect the unexpected in the middle of a trial or in the middle of a hearing, Rangel said as the hearing got underway. RELATED: Man accused of shooting 2 after being thrown out of popular Southtown bar is identified