LAREDO, TX – A 20-year-old man, Cesar Tejeria, is in critical condition after an attempted suicide in Laredo, Texas. Authorities confirmed Tejeria is a suspect in the murder of 14-year-old Simon Cuevas, who was fatally shot while walking home from school four months ago.
The tragic chain of events began in April, when Cuevas was attacked and beaten by a group of five at the intersection of South Elmendorf and Merida Street in San Antonio. During the altercation, 18-year-old Fernando Flores allegedly shot Cuevas in the stomach, resulting in his death. Flores was arrested on a capital murder charge in August, and Tejeria was named as a suspect alongside a juvenile.
Laredo police responded to a call at 4 a.m. regarding an attempted suicide. Upon arrival, they found Tejeria with a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was initially treated at a local hospital before being airlifted to University Hospital in San Antonio due to the severity of his injuries.
Investigators identified Tejeria as having an outstanding warrant from Bexar County for the murder of a minor. The warrant related to the same incident that claimed Cuevas’ life.
Alejandra Cuevas, Simon’s mother, expressed her grief and anger over her son’s death. Earlier in the week, she had issued a message to the suspects, stating they would eventually be caught. Following news of Tejeria’s attempted suicide, she took to social media, expressing her sorrow that events unfolded in such a manner, emphasizing her desire for justice, not tragedy.
Community support remains strong for the Cuevas family. On Friday night, Pastor Vincent Robinson of Harper’s Chapel Ministries led a vigil at Simon’s memorial, offering prayers and support to the family. He conveyed Alejandra’s sentiments, highlighting her quest for justice and her belief that the situation is now in God’s hands.
San Antonio police have declined to comment further on the case, citing the ongoing investigation.