SAN ANTONIO, TX – The man accused of killing his infant daughter and seriously injuring his ex-wife and another child in a violent attack last year is facing a possible death sentence as his case moves closer to trial in Bexar County.

Stephen Clare, 53, is set to appear in court Tuesday for a status conference related to the charges stemming from the brutal incident that took place on April 10, 2023. He currently faces allegations of capital murder of a child under 10, attempted capital murder, and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Authorities have detailed a harrowing account of the attack, in which Clare is accused of shooting his ex-wife, Mariah Gardner, now 30, and stabbing both of their young daughters. The youngest, 11-month-old Willow Gardner, died of her injuries, while her older sister, two-year-old Rosalie, survived after undergoing emergency surgery.

Investigators say the violence erupted inside the family’s San Antonio home. Surveillance footage reportedly showed Clare pursuing Gardner through the house, confronted by her two young daughters and her two sons from a previous relationship. Authorities allege that Clare shot Gardner multiple times before turning the knife on his children. The two boys were able to escape through a window and seek help from neighbors.

Emergency responders arrived quickly and provided lifesaving measures to Gardner and Rosalie, who were both transported to a hospital in critical condition. Gardner had sustained several gunshot wounds and multiple bone fractures, while Rosalie required urgent surgery to repair internal injuries. Both eventually stabilized, and by mid-2023, doctors expected them both to make full physical recoveries.

Court documents reveal a history of escalating behavior leading up to the incident. Gardner and Clare began their relationship in 2017 and married three years later. Tensions reportedly mounted during their marriage, prompting Gardner to file for divorce in early 2022, citing disturbing changes in Clare’s behavior. The couple finalized their divorce in December 2022, but shared custody of their daughters.

Gardner later told officials that Clare had exhibited stalking behavior and made alarming threats months before the attack. Family members described the suspect as having unpredictable mood swings and making chilling statements about harming their children.

Clare was apprehended near the scene, about a mile and a half from the family’s home. During a previous court appearance, a state child welfare worker testified that Clare claimed to have no memory of the events on the day of the attack.

Since the loss of her daughter, Gardner has been vocal about the lasting impact of domestic violence and has made efforts to raise awareness in the local community.

As of Tuesday, Clare had not entered a plea. Prosecutors have signaled their intent to seek the death penalty if he is convicted of capital murder. The trial date has not yet been set, and the case remains under review in Bexar County court.