Laredo, August 23, 2025
News Summary
A 20-year-old suspect in the murder of 14-year-old Simon Cuevas allegedly shot himself in Laredo and was later taken into custody by police following medical treatment. Authorities continue to investigate the coordinated attack that left Cuevas fatally injured. Surveillance footage shows multiple individuals following him before the attack. Another suspect has been arrested, while a minor is still at large.
Laredo — A 20-year-old suspect in the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old San Antonio student is believed to have shot himself early Friday at a home in Laredo and was later taken into custody by San Antonio police after being transported for medical care.
Key facts
At approximately 4 a.m. on Friday, authorities say Caesar Tijerina, 20, shot himself in the head at a residence in Laredo. He was initially taken to a Laredo hospital and later airlifted to a hospital in San Antonio. His current medical condition has not been publicly released. San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) has Tijerina in custody and has identified him as a suspect wanted for capital murder in connection with the April 16 death of Simon Cuevas, 14, a student in the San Antonio Independent School District.
Connection to San Antonio student’s death
SAPD and San Antonio ISD officers found Cuevas on April 16 near Brewer Academy with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. He was transported to a local hospital and later died from his injuries. Investigators say surveillance video shows a group of five individuals following Cuevas as he left school. Witness accounts and police statements indicate several people attacked Cuevas before one of them fired the fatal shot. After the attack and shooting, the group fled the scene.
Other suspects and arrests
One individual, Fernando Flores, 18, was arrested last week and charged with capital murder in connection with Cuevas’ death. Another suspect who is a minor remains at large and cannot be publicly identified because of age-related restrictions. Police say the suspects coordinated the attack and are urging anyone with information to contact the SAPD Homicide Office at 210-207-7635.
Public safety and resources
Authorities also provided resources for anyone experiencing mental health crises or thoughts of suicide. Assistance is available by calling 988, texting TALK to 741-741, or contacting local organizations such as the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) or the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at 210-223-7233 (SAFE) or 800-316-9241.
Details and next steps
SAPD continues to investigate the coordinated attack that led to Cuevas’ death and the subsequent developments involving Tijerina in Laredo. Charges are in place for Flores; charges for Tijerina were indicated by police as related to capital murder, and the case remains active. Investigators are seeking additional witnesses and any information that can identify and locate the remaining suspect who is a minor.
What authorities have said about evidence
Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators reportedly captured the group following the student after school. Witness reports and video evidence form part of the ongoing homicide investigation. Police have confirmed that several people were involved in the assault prior to the shooting, and that the group dispersed after the incident.
Community reaction and family
Cuevas’ family has said the loss feels unreal and that they still have many unanswered questions as the investigation continues. Community leaders, school officials, and law enforcement have been coordinating outreach and support following the incident while the criminal investigation progresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in Laredo early Friday?
Police say a suspect wanted in a San Antonio homicide, identified as Caesar Tijerina, shot himself in the head at a Laredo home at about 4 a.m. and was taken to a hospital before being airlifted to San Antonio.
Who was the victim in the San Antonio case?
The victim was 14-year-old Simon Cuevas of the San Antonio Independent School District. He was found with a gunshot wound near Brewer Academy on April 16 and later died at a hospital.
How many suspects are involved and what are their statuses?
Investigators say five suspects were seen on surveillance video following the student. One suspect, Fernando Flores, 18, has been arrested and charged with capital murder. Caesar Tijerina is in custody and was medically treated after an apparent self-inflicted gunshot. Another suspect who is a minor remains at large; two other individuals were reported to have fled the scene and their identities and status are part of the ongoing investigation.
How can the public provide tips?
Anyone with information should contact the SAPD Homicide Office at 210-207-7635.
Where can someone seek help for mental health or suicidal thoughts?
Call 988, text TALK to 741-741, or reach out to AFSP or NAMI. Local crisis lines include 210-223-7233 (SAFE) and 800-316-9241.
Key features of the case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Simon Cuevas, 14, San Antonio ISD student |
| Initial incident date | April 16 — Cuevas found with gunshot wound near Brewer Academy |
| Suspects | Group of five individuals observed; two named suspects (Fernando Flores and Caesar Tijerina); one minor suspect at large |
| Charges | Capital murder charges for Flores; Tijerina wanted for capital murder and later taken into custody |
| Contact for tips | SAPD Homicide Office — 210-207-7635 |
Timeline of events
| Date / Time | Event | Status / Source |
|---|---|---|
| April 16 | Simon Cuevas found with gunshot wound near Brewer Academy | Transported to hospital; later died (SAPD and San Antonio ISD) |
| Surveillance date (April 16) | Video captured group of five following Cuevas after leaving school | Evidence reviewed by investigators |
| Last week (relative) | Fernando Flores, 18, arrested and charged with capital murder | Arrest reported by police |
| Approximately 4 a.m., Friday | Caesar Tijerina believed to have shot himself at a Laredo home; hospitalized and later airlifted to San Antonio; now in SAPD custody | Medical transport and custody confirmed by authorities |
| Ongoing | Investigation continues; one minor suspect at large; authorities seeking tips | SAPD Homicide Office |
Simple visual statistics
Disposition of five suspects (visual)
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Additional Resources
- LMT Online
- Wikipedia: Laredo, Texas
- Beaumont Enterprise
- Google Search: Laredo crime news
- LMT Online Mines Article
- Google Scholar: Gun violence in Texas
- LMT Online Thanksgiving Shootings
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun violence
- LMT Online Standoff Article
- Google News: San Antonio murder suspect
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
