Investigators urge anyone with information to come forward as loved ones continue seeking justice and closure.
SAN ANTONIO — Army veteran Joel Garcia was murdered 35 years ago and his killer still hasn’t been caught. Investigators are hoping for new clues in the case and that someone will come forward with answers.
Garcia was killed on June 29, 1990. Seguin Police said he was involved in an altercation at a bar off Kingsbury Street and was stabbed during the confrontation. He died at the scene.
His daughter, Marianna Lerma, was just 2-years-old at the time.
“I really don’t have any memories from that time,” Lerma said. “It hurts that I didn’t get much time with him. All the milestones in my life… He has four grandkids that he never got a chance to meet.”
In her first interview about the case, Lerma said she is still holding on to hope that someone will speak up.
“I am hoping someone will come forward,” she said. “It was such a long time ago. From what I am hearing, possible suspects or witnesses have passed on. But maybe they told somebody and that person told somebody. Somebody has to know something, even if it’s just a whisper, it could help.”
The Seguin Police Department recently issued a plea on social media, urging anyone with information that could help the case to come forward. Investigators believe there are still people who know something about what happened the night Garcia was killed.
“Even though it has been 35 years, there is still a chance,” Lerma said. “I will never give up hope. Even if this case goes cold again, I will keep on fighting.”
A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest. Tips can be submitted to the Seguin Police Department (830) 379-2123 or online through Guadalupe County Crime Stoppers.