San Antonio, TX, August 24, 2025
News Summary
A 14-year-old student from the San Antonio Independent School District, Simon Cuevas, was fatally shot near Brewer Academy. Authorities have arrested two suspects, including 20-year-old Caesar Tijerina, who is believed to have shot himself. Another suspect remains at large. The investigation continues as the community seeks answers and support for mental health resources.
San Antonio
One suspect believed to have shot himself in Laredo is now in custody after an investigation into the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old San Antonio Independent School District student, according to law enforcement updates. The victim, identified as Simon Cuevas, was found with a gunshot wound to the abdomen near Brewer Academy on April 16 and later died at a local hospital. Authorities say the case involves multiple suspects and remains under active investigation.
Key developments
Police report that 20-year-old Caesar Tijerina, wanted on a charge of capital murder in connection with Cuevas’s death, is believed to have shot himself in the head during an attempted suicide at a residence in Laredo, Texas at approximately 4 a.m. on Friday. Following the self-inflicted wound, Tijerina was transported to a hospital in Laredo and subsequently airlifted to a hospital in San Antonio. His current medical condition has not been released. San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) officials state that Tijerina is now in SAPD custody.
Separately, law enforcement previously arrested 18-year-old Fernando Flores on a capital murder charge tied to the same case. One additional suspect, who is a juvenile and whose identity is being withheld, remains at large and is also wanted for capital murder.
What investigators say about the incident
On April 16, SAPD and San Antonio ISD officers located Cuevas suffering from a gunshot wound to the abdomen near the intersection of South Elmendorf Street and Merida Street, close to Brewer Academy. Cuevas was taken to a local hospital where he later died from his injuries. Witness accounts collected by investigators indicate that multiple people assaulted Cuevas before one of them shot him. Surveillance video obtained by police shows a group of five suspects following the student after he left school. After the shooting, the group fled the scene. Police say the suspects planned the attack collaboratively.
Investigation status and next steps
SAPD’s Homicide Unit is continuing the investigation. Detectives are working to confirm the sequence of events, the roles of each suspect, and any potential motives. The department has asked anyone with information related to the remaining suspect to contact the SAPD Homicide Office at 210-207-7635. Authorities have not released further medical details for Tijerina beyond his transfer between hospitals and his custody status.
Family response and community impact
Cuevas’s mother has publicly asked for resolution and noted that many questions remain about why her son was attacked. School and community leaders have been notified and local officials are monitoring school safety and student welfare in the wake of the death.
Resources
Given that the incident involves an attempted suicide by a suspect, mental health resources are being highlighted for the community. Anyone struggling with suicidal thoughts or mental health crises can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling 988.
Background
The case is being handled as a capital murder investigation because of the age of the victim and the circumstances reported by police. Capital murder charges in Texas carry the most serious criminal penalties and require a sustained investigation and evidence collection before prosecution. The presence of multiple alleged participants, including one juvenile suspect still at large, has prompted a wider search and ongoing interviews with witnesses and review of video evidence.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Victim | Simon Cuevas, 14-year-old San Antonio ISD student |
| Initial incident | Found with gunshot wound near Brewer Academy on April 16 |
| Charged suspects | Caesar Tijerina (20, believed to have shot himself, now in custody); Fernando Flores (18, arrested) |
| Additional suspect | One juvenile suspect at large, identity withheld |
| Contact for tips | SAPD Homicide Office: 210-207-7635 |
Timeline
| Date/Time | Event | Status / Source |
|---|---|---|
| April 16 | Simon Cuevas found with gunshot wound near Brewer Academy; taken to hospital | Victim later died; incident investigated as capital murder |
| Shortly after April 16 | Arrest of Fernando Flores on capital murder charge | Flores in custody |
| Friday, approx. 4 a.m. | Caesar Tijerina believed to have shot himself in Laredo; transported to local hospital and then airlifted to San Antonio | Tijerina now in SAPD custody; medical condition not released |
| Ongoing | Investigation continues; one juvenile suspect remains at large | SAPD seeking public assistance |
Simple visual statistics
Suspect status distribution
| Status | Count | Visual |
|---|---|---|
| In custody (Tijerina, Flores) | 2 | |
| At large (juvenile) | 1 | |
| Victims (fatal) | 1 |
FAQ
Who was the victim in this case?
The victim was 14-year-old Simon Cuevas, a student in the San Antonio Independent School District, who was found with a gunshot wound near Brewer Academy on April 16 and later died at a hospital.
Who are the suspects and what are their statuses?
Two named suspects are involved: 20-year-old Caesar Tijerina, who is believed to have shot himself in Laredo and is now in SAPD custody, and 18-year-old Fernando Flores, who was arrested and charged with capital murder. One additional juvenile suspect remains at large.
Where did the suspected self-inflicted shooting occur and what happened afterward?
The suspected self-inflicted shooting occurred at a home in Laredo at approximately 4 a.m. on Friday. The suspect was taken to a Laredo hospital and then airlifted to a San Antonio hospital; he is currently in SAPD custody and his medical condition has not been released.
How can the public provide information to investigators?
Anyone with information about the remaining suspect is asked to contact the SAPD Homicide Office at 210-207-7635.
What resources are available for people experiencing suicidal thoughts?
Individuals in crisis or considering suicide can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for immediate help and support.
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Additional Resources
- KWTX Rio Grande Valley Arrest News
- Wikipedia: San Antonio
- LMT Online Laredo Shooting News
- Google Search: Laredo Shooting
- LMT Online Child Abuse Standoff News
- Google Scholar: Laredo Crime
- News Nation School Shooter Threat News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas
- LMT Online School Shooting Initiative News
- Google News: Laredo Crime
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.
