San Antonio, August 26, 2025
News Summary
Caesar Tijerina, a 20-year-old sought for the murder of 14-year-old Simon Cuevas, has died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Tijerina shot himself on August 25, 2025, and was later pronounced dead in a San Antonio hospital. He was connected to the fatal shooting of Cuevas, who was attacked by a group shortly after leaving school in April. Fernando Flores, another suspect, has been arrested, while a minor is still at large. Law enforcement is appealing for information regarding the case.
San Antonio — Caesar Tijerina, 20, who was wanted on a capital murder warrant in the death of a 14-year-old San Antonio student, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound on August 25, 2025, the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed. Tijerina was pronounced dead at 3:47 p.m. after being airlifted to a San Antonio hospital following the injury.
Key facts
Law enforcement reports indicate that Tijerina shot himself in the head at a residence in Laredo early on August 25, 2025, and was transported by air to a hospital in San Antonio where he later died. He had been sought in connection with the April 16, 2025, fatal shooting of 14-year-old Simon Cuevas, a student in the San Antonio Independent School District.
What investigators say about the April incident
Authorities say Cuevas was found on April 16 with a gunshot wound to the abdomen near South Elmendorf Street and Merida Street, close to Brewer Academy. He was taken to a local hospital and later died from his injuries. Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators showed five individuals following Cuevas after he left school, and eyewitness reports described multiple people attacking him before one individual fired the fatal shot.
Arrests and outstanding suspects
Earlier in August 2025, 18-year-old Fernando Flores was arrested and charged with capital murder in connection with Cuevas’ death. Law enforcement also identified Tijerina as a suspect and had been seeking him prior to his death. Another suspect, a minor whose identity is being withheld under state law, remains at large and is also wanted on a capital murder warrant.
Public appeals and resources
Authorities have asked anyone with information about the missing suspect to contact the San Antonio Police Department’s Homicide Office at 210-207-7635. The notice from investigators also included reminders for those struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts to seek help. Individuals are encouraged to call 988 or text TALK to 741-741 for immediate support. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) were noted as additional sources of help.
Investigation status and next steps
Investigators continue to assemble evidence, including witness statements and video surveillance, to document the sequence of events leading up to Cuevas’ death and the roles of each person identified. The case remains active, with one arrested suspect in custody, one deceased suspect, and one minor suspect still sought by police.
Background and community impact
The shooting and subsequent investigation have drawn attention within the San Antonio community and among school officials because the victim was a middle- or high-school–age student and the incident occurred close to a school campus. The circumstances — a group encounter after school, followed by an attack and a shooting — raise questions about youth violence, school safety, and group-related confrontations. Local authorities are continuing outreach efforts and asking anyone with additional information to come forward.
Data summary table
| Key Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Victim | Simon Cuevas, 14 — shot April 16, 2025; died of abdominal gunshot wound |
| Primary Suspect (deceased) | Caesar Tijerina, 20 — self-inflicted gunshot; died Aug 25, 2025 (3:47 p.m.) |
| Arrested Suspect | Fernando Flores, 18 — arrested earlier in August 2025; charged with capital murder |
| Additional Suspect | One minor suspect remains at large; identity withheld |
| Location of shooting | South Elmendorf St. and Merida St., near Brewer Academy, San Antonio |
| Contact for tips | SAPD Homicide Office: 210-207-7635 |
Timeline of events
| Date / Time | Event | Status / Source |
|---|---|---|
| April 16, 2025 | Simon Cuevas shot near South Elmendorf & Merida Street; transported to hospital | Victim died of injuries; police investigation opened |
| Early August 2025 | Arrest of Fernando Flores on capital murder charge | Arrested and charged |
| August 25, 2025 (early hours) | Caesar Tijerina shot himself in the head at a Laredo residence; airlifted to San Antonio | Transported to hospital |
| August 25, 2025 (3:47 p.m.) | Tijerina pronounced dead at San Antonio hospital | Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed time of death |
Simple charts and statistics
Suspect status distribution (visual):
| Status | Count | Visual |
|---|---|---|
| Arrested | 1 | |
| Deceased | 1 | |
| At large (minor) | 1 |
Additional detail: surveillance footage identified five individuals following the victim; eyewitness accounts described multiple attackers prior to the shooting. Investigators continue to review video and witness statements to confirm roles and sequence.
FAQ
Who was the victim and what happened?
The victim was 14-year-old Simon Cuevas, who was found with a gunshot wound to the abdomen on April 16, 2025, near South Elmendorf Street and Merida Street close to Brewer Academy. He was transported to a hospital and later died of his injuries.
Who was the suspect who died?
The deceased suspect was 20-year-old Caesar Tijerina, who shot himself in the head at a residence in Laredo on August 25, 2025. He was airlifted to a San Antonio hospital and was pronounced dead at 3:47 p.m., according to the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Has anyone been arrested in connection with the case?
Yes. Eighteen-year-old Fernando Flores was arrested earlier in August 2025 and charged with capital murder in connection with the death of Simon Cuevas.
Are there other suspects?
Yes. One additional suspect, a minor whose identity is withheld, remains at large and is also wanted on a capital murder warrant.
What evidence have investigators noted?
Investigators have cited surveillance footage that showed five individuals following the victim after he left school, along with eyewitness accounts that multiple people attacked the victim before one person fired the shot. Authorities continue reviewing video and witness statements.
How can the public provide tips?
People with information about the missing suspect are asked to contact the San Antonio Police Department’s Homicide Office at 210-207-7635.
Where can people get help for mental health or suicidal thoughts?
Individuals struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts can call 988 or text TALK to 741-741. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) also offer resources and support.
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Additional Resources
- News Source Name1
- Wikipedia: San Antonio
- News Source Name2
- Google Search: Laredo Shooting News
- News Source Name 3
- Google Scholar: Texas gun violence
- News Source Name 4
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Laws in Texas
- News Source Name 5
- Google News: Firearm storage Texas
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.
