The vigil was a visual tribute of keeping hope alive as family members continue to search for her.
SAN ANTONIO — Wednesday marks one year since a 26-year-old mother disappeared without a trace. Loved ones held a tribute to remember Katelyn Vara.
Family members were surrounded by red balloons, Kate’s favorite color.
Her mother, Valerie Mendoza, says she loved her 5-year-old son James very much.
“We always had a good time,” said Mendoza. “We have so many memories, good memories together.”
Exactly one year after Vara was reported missing, her family says they have to rely on home videos and pictures to honor her memory while they continue searching for her.
“We do hope to conduct another search soon,” Mendoza said. “It is in the works. We’re hoping it doesn’t lead to that. We’re hoping someone has a heart. We’re hoping someone has the compassion to come forward so we can bring her home.”
Mendoza says her daughter had a medical appointment August 6, 2024 on the west side.
Then, according to police, someone called 911 from her phone from a northeast-side motel but hung up.
Police spoke with witnesses who say Vara was assaulted there but officers didn’t find anything at the scene.
“Get whoever did this to her, make them responsible for what they did to her,” Mendoza said.
President of Search & Support San Antonio, Nina Brooks, said the search has been painful for the family.
A year passed by and still no details on where she could be,” Brooks said. “She just wants to know where her daughter is at.”
Homicide detectives fear Vara may no longer be alive. Mendoza says this vigil does not mark the end of her daughter’s story.
“I’m just going to keep searching,” Mendoza said. “We’re just going to continue searching. Bringing awareness, putting out flyers. Looking however long it takes for me to bring her home. I’m going to bring her home. Because at the end of the day, her son needs that.”