‘I will find justice’ | Family plans vigil for 17-year-old high school senior found dead in a ditch

SAN ANTONIO — The family of the 17-year-old high school senior found dead in a ditch near her northeast side home is hosting a vigil Friday night.

Police found Kaitlin Hernandez early Wednesday morning off Dell Oak Drive after her family reported her missing. According to the medical examiner, the teen was strangled to death.

Investigators have not named a suspect in the case. Crime Stoppers is now offering up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest in the case.

Kaitlin’s mother, Angie Hernandez visited a memorial Thursday near where her body was discovered.

“I don’t know what this person was thinking, why they took my daughter, why they targeted her, I don’t understand,” Angie Hernandez said. “The kids never been in trouble, she’s always been a good child so how they could do this is beyond me.”

The teen’s aunt, Crystal Rodriguez clarified that Kaitlin left her home around 7:30 p.m. Tuesday to hang out with a friend outside. She said Kaitlin was expected to be home in about an hour. When she did not show up, they called the police and reported her missing.

“These neighborhoods are dangerous,” Crystal Rodriguez said. “We would never let a 17-year-old walk around with a friend late at night.”

The family said they are relying on their faith during this difficult time.

“We’re hurting so much, I don’t know how to put it into words,” Angie Hernandez said. “We’re trying to stay strong for one another but it’s just killing us, killing us.”

Rodriguez said she is confident someone in the neighborhood witnessed what happened. She is urging anyone with information to come forward.

“I’m the one that’s going to speak for her until the day I die I will find justice for my niece,” Rodriguez said.

The candlelight vigil is set to begin at 6 p.m. at 118 Ashland Drive.

If you know anything about this case, call (210) 224 -STOP for any information related to the case.

Hernandez’s family has created a GoFundMe to raise money for funeral services.