LAREDO, Texas — Caesar Tijerina, 20, a suspect wanted in connection with the death of 14-year-old San Antonio ISD student Simon Cuevas, has died following a self-inflicted gunshot wound, authorities confirmed.
According to the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office, Tijerina was pronounced dead at 3:47 p.m. on Monday. Earlier in the week, he had been airlifted to a San Antonio hospital after shooting himself in the head at a home in Laredo. Laredo police reported responding to the residence for an attempted suicide call, where they found Tijerina with a gunshot wound.
Tijerina had been wanted for capital murder in connection with the death of Cuevas. The tragic incident occurred on April 16, 2025, when Cuevas was found with a gunshot wound to his abdomen near the corner of South Elmendorf Street and Merida Street, close to Brewer Academy. He was immediately transported to a local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Earlier this month, authorities arrested Fernando Flores, 18, charging him with capital murder of a person older than 10 but younger than 15 in connection with Cuevas’ death. According to Flores’ arrest affidavit, witnesses reported that several individuals attacked Cuevas before one pulled out a gun and shot him.
Surveillance footage reportedly showed a group of five suspects following Cuevas as he left school. Cuevas attended an alternative program at Brewer Academy, and according to police, the suspects had planned and executed the assault together, ultimately resulting in his fatal shooting.
Authorities have also confirmed that another suspect, whose identity is withheld due to age, remains at large and is wanted for capital murder.
Cuevas’ mother, Alejandra Cuevas, expressed her grief and frustration over the case, noting the lingering uncertainty surrounding her son’s death. “It’s still so unreal,” she told KSAT last week. “There’s still so many unanswered questions that we have about that day.”
Law enforcement officials continue to investigate the circumstances of both Cuevas’ death and Tijerina’s suicide, emphasizing the importance of public assistance in locating the remaining suspect. The tragic events have left the San Antonio community grappling with the loss of a young life and the violent circumstances surrounding it.
Authorities have urged anyone with information regarding the case to come forward and assist with ongoing investigations, stressing that even small details could be crucial in bringing justice for Simon Cuevas.
Leave a Reply