SAN ANTONIO, TX – A wave of shock and grief has swept over San Antonio, Texas, following the discovery of a 17-year-old girl’s body in a ditch on Tuesday night. The local community and the victim’s family are now united in their quest for justice.
Late Tuesday night, the lifeless body of Kaitlin Hernandez was found by officers from the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD). The gruesome discovery was made in a drainage ditch beneath a bridge on the 7600 block of Dell Oak Drive, according to an update from the SAPD.
Angie Hernandez, Kaitlin’s mother, shared her heartbreak and bewilderment over the incident. She called for the identification and capture of the individual who committed such a heinous crime against her daughter.
A person of interest has been taken into custody by the SAPD and is reportedly assisting with the investigation. However, no formal arrests have been made as of now.
The cause of Kaitlin’s untimely death was identified as strangulation and blunt force trauma to the head. She was set to graduate from high school this coming May.
A reward of $5,000 has been put forth by San Antonio Crime Stoppers for any information leading to an arrest in this case. To aid the bereaved family, a GoFundMe page has been created by Kaitlin’s aunt, Crystal Rodriguez.
On the night Kaitlin went missing, she had set out for a walk with a male friend. The friend returned home without Kaitlin, who never made it back. The friend has been questioned by the police, along with the person of interest.
A vigil in memory of Kaitlin is scheduled for Friday at 6 p.m. at 118 Ashland Drive.