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Published 12:01 17 May 2026 GMT
A Texas mother has been charged with capital murder after two young children were found dead inside a burning car in San Antonio, according to police.
Authorities said officers discovered the children, believed to be around five and seven years old, on Friday after someone walking their dog called 911 to report a vehicle on fire behind a warehouse. When emergency crews arrived, they found the white Hyundai engulfed in flames, as well as the bodies of the children in question.
Investigators later said the witness identified 34-year-old Marlene Vidal near the vehicle as it burned. During a press conference, San Antonio Police Assistant Chief Jesse Salame said Vidal later admitted she was connected to the case.
“She was the mother of the two deceased children,” Salame said, adding that Vidal indicated “she was the one that we would be looking for.”
Police said surveillance footage, statements from Vidal, and evidence collected at the scene point towards her acting alone.
“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,” Salame explained.
The children’s bodies had not yet been formally identified on Friday, although their ages had been established as five and seven years old. Authorities declined to release their genders or details about how they died while the investigation remains active.
Salame acknowledged that investigators still do not know exactly why the tragedy happened.
“Everyone’s going to want to know why something like this happened, and unfortunately, the why is sometimes the hardest question to answer,” he said.
However, police noted there were signs that mental health struggles may have contributed to the incident.
“There are indications that mental health issues may have played a role,” Salame added.
Earlier in the morning, police initially believed there may have been three children inside the car, including “possibly an infant.” That information changed after firefighters helped dismantle parts of the vehicle so investigators could fully examine the interior.
Authorities are also working to speak with the children’s father and other relatives as they try to establish a motive.
“These cases are incredibly difficult, and no matter how long you’ve been doing the job, scenes involving children are never easy,” Salame said. “The emotional toll is significant, not only for the first responders and investigators, but for our entire community.”
Vidal, who is from Edinburg, Texas, has been charged with capital murder. Under Texas law, the charge carries either life in prison without parole or the option of the death penalty if convicted.
Local schools confirmed the children had ties to nearby districts. Vanguard Academy said one of the children attended pre-K there last year, while IDEA Public Schools stated the children had been enrolled for the upcoming school year.
