Multiple Police Cars with red and blue lights on street at night.
(Updated May 15, 2026 at 10:20 a.m.)
SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) — The San Antonio Police Department is announcing the arrest of a woman accused in the death of two children in a burning car.
Marlene Vidal, 34, of Edinburg is the only suspect in the case, and police say she was detained for questioning at the scene in the 500 block of Richland Hills. Vidal has since been charged with capital murder in the case.
Investigators say someone walking their dog saw a car on fire, and police say both the witness, and possibly Vidal, called police for help.
Officers arrived around 5 a.m., and they were followed by crews with the San Antonio Fire Department. When the flames were put out, the bodies were found.
Police initially said there might have been three bodies inside the car, but it appears two children, ages 5 and 7, were the only victims.
It is possible mental health issues could have played a role in the children’s deaths, but that has yet to be confirmed.
If convicted of capital murder, Vidal faces either the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Stay tuned to 550 KTSA and FM 107.1 for the latest in this developing story.
(Original story)
SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) — An investigation is underway after three bodies were found dead inside a burning car on the West Side early Friday morning.
According to the San Antonio Police Department, the bodies were found just before 5 a.m. in the 500 block of Richland Hills Drive, not far from Potranco Road.
KSAT-12 reports one person has been detained for questioning.
Stay tuned to 550 KTSA and FM 107.1 for the latest in this developing story.
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