News Summary
A juvenile has been arrested in the ambush murder of 22-year-old Khadija Derry in San Antonio. Derry was shot multiple times while in her car, leading investigators to believe she was targeted. The arrest was a collaboration between the FBI and Secret Service, highlighting concerns over gang-related violence, as the suspect has ties to local gangs. While the family seeks justice, the community grapples with the implications of youth involvement in such violent crimes.
San Antonio – A juvenile has been arrested in connection with the ambush-style murder of 22-year-old Khadija Derry, who was shot while sitting in her car outside her home in December 2023. Law enforcement officials reported that the shooting involved two suspects who fired at least two high-caliber, semi-automatic rifles at Derry, resulting in her being struck 20 times. This has led Derry’s family to believe she was specifically targeted in the attack.
The arrest was made on Monday morning in the 5000 block of Eunice Drive in far east San Antonio. Following the apprehension, the juvenile was taken to the Converse Police Department and is expected to be booked into Bexar County jail. The investigation into the murder involved significant collaboration between the FBI and the Secret Service, highlighting the serious nature of the crime and its potential ties to gang-related activity.
It has come to light that the juvenile arrested has links to a local gang known for armed robberies, narcotics trafficking, and homicides, indicating that the crime may be part of broader gang violence in the area. Additionally, one of the suspects involved in the shooting was killed in April 2024, which has raised further concerns about gang-related activities and their consequences in the community.
U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Texas, Susan Pamerleau, expressed alarm regarding a juvenile’s involvement in such a violent crime, noting the growing trend of youth being implicated in serious offenses. This case has drawn attention not only because of the heinous nature of the crime but also due to the age of the suspect involved.
Derry’s mother, Kuquanda Perkins, stated that while the arrest brings some sense of closure, the overwhelming pain from her daughter’s murder remains. Perkins has indicated hopes that the juvenile will be tried as an adult, pointing to the severity of the crime and the lasting impact on her family. The loss of her daughter has sparked a desire to create a foundation and scholarship in Derry’s honor, aimed at supporting local athletes.
Remembered as an energetic college athlete with a passion for basketball, Derry had also dedicated time to work with young athletes at Sam Houston High School, leaving a positive mark on her community. Her untimely death has resonated deeply with those who knew her and has prompted discussions about youth violence and its implications in San Antonio.
The investigation is still ongoing, and local authorities continue to seek any additional information that may lead to further arrests in connection with this tragic incident. Community members and law enforcement are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities as they work together to combat gang violence and ensure the safety of local neighborhoods.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- News 4 San Antonio
- Wikipedia: Khadija Derry
- KENS5
- Google Search: Khadija Derry San Antonio
- KSAT
- Google Scholar: Gang Violence San Antonio
- San Antonio Express-News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Student Shooting
- The New York Times
- Google News: San Antonio Police Shooting
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.
