A body discovered near Mission Espada on San Antonio’s South Side has sparked an active police investigation, with officials keeping most details close to the vest for now.
San Antonio police said Tuesday that officers found the body in the area around the historic mission and that detectives have opened a case. The person has not been identified, and the Bexar County Medical Examiner is working to determine the cause of death.
The discovery was first reported by KENS 5, which noted that officers responded to the scene and confirmed the find to reporters. According to the station, investigators worked the area and asked anyone with information to get in touch with police.
Where It Happened
Mission Espada, formally known as Mission San Francisco de la Espada, sits along the southern stretch of the San Antonio River at 10040 Espada Road and is part of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The mission grounds and nearby Mission Reach trail are regular stops for walkers, cyclists and parishioners, and are maintained by the National Park Service for visitors and historic preservation. Visitor materials from the National Park Service list the site’s address and hours.
What Investigators Say
Police have not said how the person died or released the individual’s name. According to KENS 5, the San Antonio Police Department’s Homicide & Assault unit, along with the Bexar County Medical Examiner, is expected to handle follow up in the case. No arrests or suspects have been announced, and detectives asked the public to steer clear of the immediate area while they collect evidence.
How To Help
Anyone with information is urged to call the San Antonio Police Department’s non-emergency line at 210-207-7273 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at 210-224-STOP (7867), according to the City of San Antonio. The department’s contact page lists direct numbers for homicide investigators and other units for people who may have relevant leads, as outlined by the City of San Antonio.
Local Context
While rare, discoveries of bodies in and around the mission parks have been documented before. Archival coverage by the San Antonio Express-News detailed earlier finds near Mission Parkway. Police say that in cases like these, community tips and any available cellphone or dashcam footage can be crucial in pushing an investigation forward.
