Police say mental health challenges “may have played a role” in the children’s deaths.
SAN ANTONIO — The Bexar County Medical Examiner has identified the two children found dead inside a burning car in west San Antonio earlier this month and disclosed how they died.
According to the medical examiner, 5-year-old Adrian Akeel Vidal and 6-year-old Aleeza Elena Vidal died from “sharp force injuries” before their bodies were found. The office did not go into detail about the injuries, but did categorize both of the deaths as “homicidal violence.”
The children’s mother, Marlene Vidal, 34, faces charges of capital murder and arson. She remains behind bars in the Bexar County jail as of Tuesday, her bonds totaling $2.1 million.
On Friday, May 15, first responders were called out to the area of 500 Richland Hills, near Loop 410 and Highway 151, sometime between 5 a.m. to 6 a.m., where they found a vehicle on fire.
San Antonio Police Asst. Chief Jesse Salame said two dead children were confirmed to have been found in the vehicle. He initially said the two children were “school-aged.”
Police said Vidal was on the scene when they arrived; officers discovered she was connected to the vehicle and took her in for questioning. Authorities said evidence indicated Vidal “was solely responsible for the death of these two children,” adding mental health challenges “may have played a role.”
A community vigil was held that weekend at the memorial site as the community continues to mourn the children.