Erin Benavides’ autopsy revealed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.401% when she died by suicide in October.
The toxicology results, released Wednesday, showed the former Texas prosecutor had more than five times the legal limit of alcohol in her system, according to the Nueces County Medical Examiner’s Office. Benavides, 54, was found dead inside her Port Aransas, Texas, home on Oct. 14 after police forced their way in.
Officers were dispatched to the residence when her husband’s friend received a concerning text message from Benavides. Responding officers discovered her body alongside three firearms and multiple bullets documented at the scene. The Port Aransas Police Department previously stated no foul play was suspected, though the investigation was ongoing.
The autopsy confirmed Benavides died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, and her death was ruled a suicide. Isopropanol and acetone were also found in her system alongside the elevated alcohol levels.
According to the report released Wednesday, Benavides had a history of making suicidal comments, including text messages sent to family members.
Benavides became a public figure in 2010 when she was accused of having an emotional affair with San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker, who was then married to actress Eva Longoria. At the time, Benavides was married to Parker’s Spurs teammate Brent Barry. The two players had been teammates from 2004 to 2008.
Benavides denied the affair allegations. Despite her denial, both couples ended their marriages. Longoria filed for divorce from the NBA champion in November 2010.
Following the scandal, Benavides changed careers and became a prosecutor in Texas. She worked with the 38th Judicial District and also worked with organizations that supported vulnerable children. She ultimately resigned from her prosecutorial role in August 2026.
The 2010 scandal erupted when reports surfaced of alleged inappropriate communication between Parker and Benavides. While both denied a physical affair, the emotional connection described in reports was enough to fracture both marriages. Parker and Longoria’s divorce was finalized in 2011, while Barry and Benavides also separated.
Benavides’ later career shift to prosecution and child advocacy marked an attempt to rebuild her life away from the public eye. Her resignation in August 2026 came just two months before her death.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988.
