The victim survived, while court orders now bar the suspect from the church and restaurant.
AUSTIN, Texas — A downtown Austin stabbing case involving a Catholic priest and a restaurant server has moved into court after police said the suspect described a long-held grievance tied to confession.
The case centers on the Rev. Jairo Sandoval-Pliego, pastor of San Jose Catholic Church in South Austin, and Edward Koubek, a 45-year-old waiter at Bob’s Steak and Chop House. Police said the two knew each other through church before the Saturday night attack at the restaurant on Lavaca Street.
According to court records, Sandoval-Pliego arrived at the restaurant with friends and was greeted by Koubek, who said he recognized him from church. The greeting appeared friendly, witnesses told police, and included a hug before the priest sat down for dinner. Police said the attack did not happen until the group was leaving later that night.
Witnesses told investigators Koubek returned to the group and appeared to offer another goodbye hug. Police said he then stabbed Sandoval-Pliego several times with a knife taken from the kitchen. The priest suffered wounds to his neck, back and shoulder area. Officers arriving after 10:27 p.m. found him bleeding, and emergency crews took him to a hospital.
Investigators said Koubek later described anger toward Sandoval-Pliego because he believed the priest had mocked him after confession years earlier. Court records say Koubek told detectives he had attended the church since 2018 and was still holding a grudge. Police said he admitted pacing for 10 to 15 minutes before the stabbing.
The Diocese of Austin and the parish have not been described by police as targets beyond Sandoval-Pliego himself. A judge ordered Koubek to stay away from San Jose Catholic Church and from Bob’s Steak and Chop House while the case continues. He also was ordered to have no contact with the priest.
The restaurant said it is cooperating fully with law enforcement. Local attorney Adam Loewy told reporters the business could face civil questions because Koubek was working at the time of the attack. No civil filing was reported in the immediate aftermath, and police have not said whether additional criminal counts are under review.
Sandoval-Pliego survived after hospital care for wounds that medical staff said could have killed him without treatment. Koubek faces aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, a second-degree felony, as prosecutors and the court decide the next steps in the case.
Author note: Last updated July 4, 2026.