Erin Benavides, who was previously linked to Tony Parker, has died at 54. The former assistant district attorney was found dead at a home in Port Aransas, Texas, on October 14. Her name previously made headlines during Parker’s marriage to Eva Longoria.
Erin Benavides died at 54 in Texas
According to the San Antonio Express-News, Benavides was found dead on October 14 after police received a request for a welfare check. Officers forced their way into the Port Aransas home and found her deceased. Authorities said they did not suspect foul play, although the investigation remained active.
Benavides previously attracted attention in 2010 following allegations involving Tony Parker. At the time, the basketball player was married to actress Eva Longoria. Benavides was also married to former San Antonio Spurs player Brent Barry.
The controversy emerged after Longoria reportedly discovered hundreds of text messages. Parker and another woman had exchanged the messages. Reports subsequently identified Barry’s then-wife as the woman involved. Benavides denied having an affair with Parker, while Parker also denied having a physical relationship with her. Both marriages later ended.
Benavides subsequently pursued a legal career. She earned her law degree from St. Mary’s University in 2013 and went on to work in several Texas prosecutors’ offices. She most recently worked as an assistant district attorney in the 38th Judicial District’s anti-gang and border prosecution unit from January 2023 until August 2026.
Her career also included work advocating for vulnerable children. From 2020 to 2022, she led the Youth Center of Texas, which supported child sex-trafficking victims. She also served on the Bexar County Child Welfare Board.
As reported by the New York Post, District Attorney Christina Mitchell remembered Benavides following her death, highlighting her work ethic, generosity, humor, and support for colleagues. “Her boisterous laugh throughout the office will be greatly missed,” Mitchell wrote.
Benavides’ death has brought renewed attention to the 2010 controversy involving Parker and Longoria. However, her legal career and work supporting vulnerable children also formed a significant part of her life and professional legacy.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.
