Texas teen Kaitlin Hernandez was found murdered under a bridge in her San Antonio neighborhood, sparking demands for justice from her family. Hernandez, a 17-year-old high school student, went missing after leaving for a walk with a male friend on March 12. Her body was discovered naked in a drainage ditch beneath a bridge later that evening. The friend she was with has been detained as a person of interest in the case and is cooperating with authorities, although he has not been named or cleared as a suspect.
The San Antonio Police Department’s Homicide Unit is actively investigating the case, but at this time, there are no updates available. The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Hernandez’s cause of death was strangulation. Her family described her as a kind and loving person who had no known enemies and was dedicated to her faith and love of animals. They expressed shock and disbelief at the brutal nature of her death and urged anyone with information to come forward to help bring her killer to justice.
Hernandez’s aunt, Crystal Rodriguez, spoke about her niece’s positive qualities and the impact of her death on the family. She described Hernandez as someone with many goals and dreams, including becoming a veterinarian after graduation. Rodriguez emphasized that the community should come together to support each other and cherish their loved ones, as tragedies like this can strike unexpectedly. The family is struggling to cope with the loss of Hernandez, especially as her older sister passed away the previous year.
A community march was held in honor of Hernandez, with participants gathering at the site where her body was discovered. Rodriguez called for justice and peace while expressing gratitude for the support received from former Texas Rep. Mayra Flores and others who have helped raise awareness about Hernandez’s case. San Antonio Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for information leading to an arrest in the investigation, and authorities have urged anyone with information to contact the SAPD Homicide Unit.
Hernandez was a student at Roosevelt High School, set to graduate in May, and her family is still reeling from the loss of both her and her sister. Rodriguez pleaded for anyone who may have information about the case to come forward, emphasizing the importance of closure and justice in finding her niece’s killer. The tragic circumstances of Hernandez’s death have left the community shocked and saddened, with many questioning how such a senseless act could have occurred. As the investigation continues, the family and friends of Kaitlin Hernandez are focused on seeking answers and holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
