A prominent Texas lawyer's wife has been accused of killing her husband before taking her own life in an apparent murder-suicide at their luxurious home in Shavano Park. Separately, two illegal immigrants have been charged with the murder of a 12-year-old girl in Houston, sparking calls for stricter bail laws.
The Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office has confirmed the deaths of Jerry Hernandez, 61, and his wife Sonia, 52, as a homicide and suicide, respectively. The incident occurred on August 21st at their four-bedroom, five-bath property in the affluent suburb of Shavano Park outside San Antonio.
Police officers responded to the scene after receiving reports of gunshots in the area. Upon entering the master bedroom, they discovered the deceased couple on a bed with gunshot wounds. The investigation suggests an apparent murder-suicide, with Sonia Hernandez being responsible for shooting her husband before turning the gun on herself.
Tragic Incidents in Texas: Murder-Suicide in Shavano Park and Illegal Immigrant Suspects Held for 12-Year-Old Girl's Death
The couple is survived by their 25-year-old daughter. Jerry Hernandez was a prominent personal injury lawyer who had been practicing for over 30 years. He had been recognized as a Top Personal Injury Lawyer in 2017 by S.A. Scene Magazine.
"We were deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of our colleague, Jerry Hernandez," said Davis Law Firm, where Hernandez worked, in a statement. "Our deepest sympathies are with the Hernandez family during this incredibly difficult time."
Tragic Incidents in Texas: Murder-Suicide in Shavano Park and Illegal Immigrant Suspects Held for 12-Year-Old Girl's Death
Authorities are not seeking any other suspects in the incident, and no further details have been released.
In a separate incident, two illegal immigrants have been charged with the murder of Jocelyn Nungaray, a 12-year-old girl from Houston. The suspects, Jose Luis Vasquez-Garcia and Julio Cesar Ortega-Mendoza, are being held on $10 million bonds each.
Tragic Incidents in Texas: Murder-Suicide in Shavano Park and Illegal Immigrant Suspects Held for 12-Year-Old Girl's Death
Nungaray was walking home from church when she was reportedly chased and attacked by the suspects. She was found unresponsive in a parking lot and later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Texas officials and crime victim advocates are calling for stricter bail laws in the wake of this tragedy. They argue that such laws would prevent violent offenders and dangerous suspects from being released back into the community and committing further crimes.
The incident has also raised concerns about the safety and security of the community, particularly in light of the suspects' immigration status.
The investigation into the murder is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine the exact circumstances surrounding Nungaray's death.
