Seventeen-year-old Kaitlin Hernandez was found brutally murdered under a bridge in her San Antonio neighborhood two weeks ago. Her family is seeking justice for the loving and kind teenager, who had dreams of becoming a veterinarian. Hernandez went on a walk with a male friend on the evening of March 12 and disappeared. Her naked body was discovered in a drainage ditch beneath a bridge just hours later. The San Antonio Police Department detained the friend as a person of interest and is still actively investigating the case.
The cause of Hernandez’s death was confirmed to be strangulation by the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office. Her aunt, Crystal Rodriguez, described Hernandez as a compassionate individual who had recently become more involved in her faith. Rodriguez expressed disbelief that anyone would want to harm her niece, who was known for her kindness and encouragement of others. The area where Hernandez’s body was found is reportedly known for having homeless individuals and drug activity. The community held a march in Hernandez’s honor, starting at the bridge where she was found.
Rodriguez urged the public to come forward with any information they may have about the case in order to help the family find justice and peace. Former Republican Texas Representative Mayra Flores has also stepped in to help raise awareness about Hernandez’s story and assist in seeking justice for her. The family is offering a $5,000 reward through San Antonio Crime Stoppers for any information that leads to an arrest in the case. Hernandez had been on the brink of graduating from Roosevelt High School and had tragically lost her 18-year-old sister, Kaylee, the year before.
The investigation into Hernandez’s death is ongoing, with the San Antonio Police Department’s Homicide Unit continuing to work on the case. The friend who was detained as a person of interest has been cooperating with authorities, but no updates or suspects have been named at this time. Rodriguez emphasized that her niece had a bright future ahead of her and that her untimely death had robbed her of her goals and dreams. She encouraged the public to cherish their loved ones and hold them close, as life is unpredictable. The family is seeking closure and justice for Hernandez, who was taken from them too soon.
