San Antonio Community Mourns Mother of Four Killed in Hit-and-Run, Police Seek Information on Suspected Vehicle

A recent hit-and-run in San Antonio has left a local family and community in mourning, as reported by KENS 5. Jessica Vela, 39, a mother of four, was tragically struck by a vehicle while she was returning home from grocery shopping. The incident occurred near Harry Wurzbach Road and Timberlane Drive on May 30, and Vela was reportedly holding a shopping cart as she attempted to cross the road.

The details surrounding the crash were confirmed by the San Antonio Police Department. Despite being stopped for just a moment, the white SUV that hit Vela fled the scene, leaving her fatally injured. Attempts to save her life proved futile as she was pronounced dead at the scene, according to details from KSAT. Parts of the suspect vehicle were recovered from the site, with the police believing the vehicle to be a 2000 to 2010 white Lincoln MKX.

Vela's sister, Ashley Gutierrez, reminisced about Jessica's life in an interview with KENS 5, describing her as "joyful, smart and fabulous." In the wake of their mother's untimely death, the children are facing the profound loss of both parents, their father having died in a car accident about a year prior. "She leaves behind four beautiful children," Gutierrez stated, underlining the magnitude of the tragedy that has befallen the young family.

As the investigation continues, the family is calling on the community for assistance. A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered by Crime Stoppers for information leading to an arrest. Gutierrez holds out hope for justice and offers a message of forgiveness to the unknown driver, saying, "She didn’t deserve that—Maybe it was an accident where truly someone got scared. But if we could get help from the community, I think it would bring a lot of peace.”." She urged anyone with information to come forward in an attempt to find some peace, according to KENS 5.

The family recently laid Vela to rest, with the finality of the funeral being an impactful moment, specifically for Gutierrez, as mentioned in her emotional recount to KENS 5. The message remains clear from the bereaved family: they seek closure and justice for a life abruptly and undeservedly cut short. The family encourages anyone with relevant information to contact the authorities at 210-224-7876.