The San Antonio Grieving Mother’s Fight for Justice organization says murdered children are being forgotten by law enforcement and enough is enough.
SAN ANTONIO — Grieving mothers and families of murder victims marched through downtown San Antonio on Saturday morning, demanding accountability and justice for their loved ones whose cases remain unsolved.
The rally, organized by the group San Antonio Grieving Mothers Fight for Justice, brought together dozens of families who say the legal system — from law enforcement to the district attorney’s office — is failing victims of violent crime.
“We are here looking for accountability, looking for justice,” said Lydia Leos, a founding member of the organization. “A lot of the cases that are stuck at the DA’s office are just sitting there because there’s such a huge backlog. All these people you see here — their children have been murdered, or like me, I advocate for those dying inside the Bexar County Jail.”
Leos shared the story of her own son, who died in custody at the Bexar County Jail. She said he was not properly searched and later overdosed in his cell. Leos believes he didn’t receive proper medical attention in time.
“My son was not properly searched, so he was able to overdose in there,” she said. “He died of a massive heart attack because he wasn’t taken to the hospital like he should have been.”
One of the mothers at the march, Claudia Vargas, is still mourning the death of her son, Hector Vargas Jr., known as “Lil Hector.” He was shot and killed at a graduation party in June. Vargas said she was recently told the case was ruled self-defense and that no charges would be filed.
“It hurts me,” she said. “They told me the DA said there were no charges going to be filed. But he shot my son six times. I don’t believe that’s self-defense.”
Vargas said she plans to continue fighting for her son and hopes prosecutors reconsider at least manslaughter charges.
“I just want something done like it’s not fair for me and for my family.” Vargas Said. “We’re suffering a lot. That was my baby boy, and I just want justice and for them to do their job and and look over the case.”
Also marching was Alejandra Cuevas, the mother of 14-year-old Simon Cuevas, who was jumped and killed in April while walking home from school.
“I am here to support this group of mothers that none of us wanted to be a part of,” she said, holding back tears. “It just makes me emotional being around all the grieving mothers and families here. I’m here to support them the way they supported me.”
Leos said Saturday’s rally was also meant to remind others in the community — especially those grieving — that they are not alone.