“I hope that it brings awarness to our city that sometimes we need help, and sometimes we don’t ask for help.”
A growing memorial on San Antonio’s West Side drew grieving residents Saturday as a community struggled to process the deaths of two young children whose mother is accused of killing them before setting their bodies on fire inside a vehicle.
Police said officers and firefighters responded early Friday just before sunrise to reports of a burning car near the 500 block of Richland Hills Drive, near Loop 410 and U.S. Highway 151. Inside the vehicle, authorities discovered the bodies of two children, ages 5 and 7.
Standing nearby was the children’s mother, identified by authorities as 34-year-old Marlene Vidal of Edinburg. Investigators later determined Vidal was solely responsible for the children’s deaths, according to police.
Authorities said Vidal has been charged with capital murder and arson. She remained in custody Saturday with bonds totaling $2.1 million.
Police officials said mental health challenges may have been a factor in the case, though investigators have not publicly released additional details about what led up to the incident.
“The emotional toll is significant not only for the first responders and investigators, but for our entire community,” Jesse Salame, SAPD Assistant Chief said. “Everyone is going to want to know why something like this happened, and unfortunately the ‘why’ is sometimes the hardest question to answer.”
Residents gathered throughout the day at the memorial site, leaving flowers, candles and stuffed animals in honor of the children.
Nicole DeLaRosa, who visited the memorial with her two daughters, said she was overcome with emotion after hearing the news.
“I was heartbroken,” DeLaRosa said. “It’s kind of unbelievable. I didn’t really believe it at first.”
DeLaRosa said the tragedy resonated deeply with her as a parent.
“I have children myself,” she said. “Everybody struggles sometimes, and it reminded me of that.”
Others at the memorial said they hoped the tragedy would encourage more conversations about mental health and seeking help during difficult times.
“I hope it brings awareness to our city that sometimes we need help and sometimes we don’t ask for help,” DeLaRosa said.
A community vigil organized by Pastor Jimmy Robles of Last Chance Ministries is scheduled for Sunday at 6 p.m. at the memorial site.