The death of Erin Marie Benavides, a former Texas prosecutor and child-welfare advocate, has been ruled a suicide. The Nueces County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed the determination, according to a November 3 report from Page Six.
Benavides, 54, was found dead at a home in Port Aransas, Texas, on October 14, 2026. Police responded after a friend of her husband alerted authorities to a concerning message. Officers entered the residence and initially reported finding no signs of foul play.
Previously known as Erin Barry, she was the former wife of NBA player Brent Barry. Their separation coincided with the highly publicized breakup of Desperate Housewives actress Eva Longoria and Tony Parker, Barry’s former San Antonio Spurs teammate.
Her most recent legal position was with the 38th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, which serves Uvalde and Real counties. She joined its anti-gang and border prosecution unit in January 2023 and resigned in August 2026, according to the San Antonio Express-News.
Benavides Denied the Tony Parker Affair Claims in 2010
It is with great sadness that after 7 years together, Tony and I have decided to divorce. We love each other (cont)
Eva Longoria Baston (@EvaLongoria) November 17, 2010
During the split, Extra reported that Longoria had discovered hundreds of text messages from another woman on Parker’s phone. The program cited reports identifying that woman as Benavides. Mario Lopez, a friend of Longoria’s, also discussed the actress’s distress over the infidelity rumors.
In a statement dated November 25, 2010, and reproduced by TMZ, Benavides wrote, “I DID NOT HAVE AN AFFAIR WITH TONY PARKER.” She said the overlapping divorces had prompted speculation about their friendship, which she maintained had nothing to do with the end of her marriage.
Longoria filed for divorce on November 17, 2010. Barry had filed the previous month, and his divorce from Benavides became final on January 5, 2011. The couple had two sons.
Her Child-Welfare Work Predated Her Legal Career
Benavides was involved in child advocacy well before the celebrity coverage. An April 14, 2005, Texas House journal identifies her, under the name Erin Barry, among visitors representing the Blue Ribbon Task Force of Bexar County. Lawmakers welcomed the group after adopting a resolution declaring April Child Abuse Prevention Month in Texas.
She earned her law degree from St. Mary’s University in June 2013 and received her Texas law license that November, according to her State Bar record. Her subsequent positions included prosecutor roles in Bexar and Comal counties and work as a staff attorney with Bexar County Juvenile Probation.
From 2020 to 2022, she served as president and CEO of the Youth Center of Texas, which provided crisis intervention and case management for children who had survived sex trafficking. Her community work also included service on the Bexar County Child Welfare Board.
Yolanda Valenzuela, executive director of Kym’s Angels Foundation, remembered Benavides helping with the board’s adoption ceremonies and Christmas fundraiser. The holiday effort provided gifts for children in foster care, the Express-News reported.
Former Colleagues Remember Her Humor and Encouragement
District Attorney Christina Mitchell, Benavides’ former boss, credited her with working through a large number of pending human-smuggling cases. She also remembered someone who offered encouragement to coworkers and others having a difficult time, sometimes including defendants.
At office lunches, Benavides would tease colleagues about their individual habits, Mitchell recalled in a Facebook tribute quoted by the Express-News. “Her boisterous laugh throughout the office will be greatly missed,” she wrote. Mitchell also remembered how often Benavides spoke with pride about her sons and their accomplishments.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis in the United States, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Free, confidential support is available 24 hours a day.