A tragic house fire on South San Dario, in west San Antonio, claimed the lives of married couple Juan and Guillermina Hinojosa.
SAN ANTONIO — The married couple killed in a house fire that sparked late Monday night in west San Antonio has been identified.
Family members confirmed to KENS 5 that Juan Hinojosa and Guillermina Pinelo-Hinojosa died after being taken to the hospital. The fire was reported just before 11 p.m. at a home in the 400 block of South San Dario.
Guillermina’s daughter, Cindy, said the family is now mourning the loss while searching through what remains of their loved ones’ belongings.
In her hand, Cindy held a statue of Jesus that her mother had once placed atop an altar in her home—a symbol of the faith that Cindy says defined her life.
“She taught us to be good in our faith and spread our faith without turning back,” Cindy said.
Family members said Guillermina was active in her church community, adding she leaves behind daughters and grandchildren.
“That’s going to leave a big hole in her work, but one of us will pick up from there,” Cindy said.
As the family reflects on memories inside the home, Cindy said the loss is still difficult to process.
“We were just here for Christmas,” she said. “It’s a little devastating. We’re just in shock.”
According to officials, Guillermina became trapped inside a closet after being separated from her husband when she called 911 to report the fire. Fire crews said burglar bars and a metal roof made it difficult to access the home. Guillermina was pulled from the side of the house, while Juan was removed from the back.
Investigators believe the fire started sometime before 11 p.m., though an official cause has not yet been determined.
Family members suspect space heaters may have played a role.
“They loved having heaters in their home, firewood heaters,” Cindy said. “We think that’s what happened because they had several in there.”
For now, the family is asking for privacy and prayers as they begin to heal.
“God’s way, all the way—no multiple choice,” Cindy said.