San Antonio Crime News: 2 Children Found Dead in Burned Vehicle
Texas Crime News: A Texas woman was arrested and charged after authorities found her two children dead in a burning car. San Antonio Police Department Assistant Chief Jesse Salame said officers responded to a report of a burning car behind a warehouse early on the morning of Friday (May 15, 2026).
Authorities found the two children dead inside the vehicle, and Salame said the children are believed to be 5 and 7 years old. The suspect was identified as Marlene Vidal, 34, Salame said in a press briefing. She allegedly told police she is the mother of the two children. Vidal is a resident of Edinburg, Texas, but has family connections in San Antonio, News 4 San Antonio reported, citing the assistant chief. The father of the two children told the news outlet that he was devastated by the news.
“These cases are incredibly difficult. At this stage of the investigation, we have statements made by the suspect along with surveillance video and evidence from the scene that indicate she was solely responsible for the death of these two children,” Jesse Salame said.
The vehicle was discovered around 5 and 6:00 a.m. in Richland Hills on the west side when a passerby noticed the vehicle on fire while walking their dog, News 4 reported. The passerby saw a woman at the scene who said she already called authorities, but that witness dialed 911 as well, the outlet reported, citing investigators.
Vidal has been arrested and charged with capital murder, according to Salame. It is not immediately clear if she has appeared in court or entered a plea.
During the press briefing, the San Antonio Police Department Assistant Chief said, “Officers and firefighters responded to the scene, and once the fire was extinguished, we could now positively confirm that two children were found deceased inside of the vehicle."
As the investigation continues into the incident, authorities are interviewing family members and others linked to the case. Police stated that there is no clear motive, but there are indications of mental health issues. "We don't yet have a clear motive, however, there are indications that mental health issues may have played a role," Salame said.
ALSO READ: ‘Watch out for that Snake’: Man unveils exotic snakes on Hollywood Walk of Fame as he flees from cops; watch chilling visuals here
Authorities found the two children dead inside the vehicle, and Salame said the children are believed to be 5 and 7 years old. The suspect was identified as Marlene Vidal, 34, Salame said in a press briefing. She allegedly told police she is the mother of the two children. Vidal is a resident of Edinburg, Texas, but has family connections in San Antonio, News 4 San Antonio reported, citing the assistant chief. The father of the two children told the news outlet that he was devastated by the news.
“These cases are incredibly difficult. At this stage of the investigation, we have statements made by the suspect along with surveillance video and evidence from the scene that indicate she was solely responsible for the death of these two children,” Jesse Salame said.
The vehicle was discovered around 5 and 6:00 a.m. in Richland Hills on the west side when a passerby noticed the vehicle on fire while walking their dog, News 4 reported. The passerby saw a woman at the scene who said she already called authorities, but that witness dialed 911 as well, the outlet reported, citing investigators.
Vidal has been arrested and charged with capital murder, according to Salame. It is not immediately clear if she has appeared in court or entered a plea.
During the press briefing, the San Antonio Police Department Assistant Chief said, “Officers and firefighters responded to the scene, and once the fire was extinguished, we could now positively confirm that two children were found deceased inside of the vehicle."
As the investigation continues into the incident, authorities are interviewing family members and others linked to the case. Police stated that there is no clear motive, but there are indications of mental health issues. "We don't yet have a clear motive, however, there are indications that mental health issues may have played a role," Salame said.
ALSO READ: ‘Watch out for that Snake’: Man unveils exotic snakes on Hollywood Walk of Fame as he flees from cops; watch chilling visuals here