‘I lost my whole word’ | Wife of security guard shot outside hotel shares video of the deadly encounter

SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio police are working to identify suspects in the deadly shooting of a hotel security guard early Saturday morning.

The Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victim as 38-year-old Jeremiah Sendejo. His wife, who wants to remain anonymous, shared a video she took of the moments leading up to the shooting.

It happened around 1:30 a.m. at the SureStay Plus By Best Western San Antonio Fort Sam Houston off 1-35 and Remount Drive.

She said they were just getting back to the hotel where they were staying after selling barbecue. She said Sendejo worked a second job as security at the hotel.

She said as he was driving in, he spotted a suspicious vehicle where a man jumped out with a hoodie on, backpack, and gloves.

“He told me to stay put,” She said.

As he was checking out the situation, she said the vehicle drove away quickly and Sendejo yelled at them.

“He yelled something and I’m pretty sure it was along the lines of slow down,” the victim’s wife said.

She said the suspects then turned around and drove back into the parking lot to confront him. She said things escalated quickly and she started running towards them.

“I was trying to defend my husband,” She said. “I wasn’t armed, he wasn’t armed and there was no reason for them to come after him.”

She said one of the men shot her husband in the head. She held him in her arms as he took his last breath.

“I couldn’t believe it,” She said.

She said the suspect pointed the gun at her but ultimately ran off. She was able to capture video of them driving away, which she has given to investigators.

“I lost my best friend. I lost my whole world,” She said.

She said they were together for eight years. Sendejo had two children of his own and she had one child that he helped raise. She said they dreamed of opening up their own barbeque restaurant to support their blended family. 

She said he was a hardworking man who was loved by many.

Two GoFundMe fundraisers have been set up. One by Sendejo’s family member and another by his wife. 

The SureStay Plus by Best Western San Antonio Fort Sam Houston released this statement regarding the incident:

“We are deeply saddened by the incident that took place and are cooperating with local government officials. Please direct any questions to them.”