In Nov. 2024, Barrera was certified to stand trial as an adult.
SAN ANTONIO — A teen accused in the 2024 murder of 17 year-old Kaitlin Hernandez has been formally indicted by a grand jury for her murder.
Authorities say 16 year-old Darryl Barrera strangled Hernandez to death after the two went for a walk together.
Kaitlin’s family say they are relieved by the grand jury’s decision to indict Barrera, and say it’s a step closer to getting justice for Katilin.
“I know everybody in my family wants to know why,” said Crystal Rodriguez, Kaitlin’s Aunt.
It’s a question Kaitlin Hernandez’s family hopes they will get answered during her murder trial. It’s been nearly one year since Kaitlin’s death.
On March 12, 2024, Kaitlin’s family told police she left their home on Dell Oak Drive to go for a walk with Barrera, but she never came home.
Her body was found hours later, dumped in a nearby drainage ditch.
“It’s not fair, she didn’t deserve to this, she was barely starting to live her life,” said Rodriguez.
The medical examiner says she died by strangulation and 6 weeks later, Barrera was arrested and charged with Kaitlin’s murder.
Authorities say DNA evidence connected him to the case.
“Justice for Kaitlin is all that we care for, and it’s all that matters, is that Kaitlin gets the justice that she deserves,” said Rodriguez.
The family says they are thankful there has been some movement in the case.
In Nov. 2024, Barrera was certified to stand trial as an adult, even though he is 16 years old.
Barrera has remained in jail since his arrest on a $250,000 bond.
“I want people to remember Kaitlin, not what he did to her, because she was a loving and caring person, she was full of joy,” said Rodriguez.
Rodriguez says she will continue to be Kaitlin’s voice until she receives justice.
The Bexar County District Attorney’s Office say the 436th Juvenile District Court will be in charge of setting a trial date. We did reach out to them to see if a date has been set, but did not hear back.