The Bexar County Sheriff, Javier Salazar, is reaching out to the public for assistance in shedding light on the untimely death of Mariadelis Labrador Siles, a 28-year-old Cuban woman whose body was discovered last week in San Antonio, Texas. Authorities have requested any video footage captured between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 10, 2025, showing a woman matching Mariadelis's description. She was last seen wearing tan shorts, described as tights, and a blue zip-up sweatshirt.
This plea for help underscores the fact that police currently lack significant leads regarding the events of March 10.
A Serene Neighborhood Shaken by Tragedy
The death of the young Cuban woman, which authorities have yet to officially deem a homicide, has stirred unease among residents of her neighborhood. Cisco González, a local resident, expressed his bewilderment to the press, stating, "I wonder what happened because this has always been a quiet neighborhood," describing her death as an anomaly in the area. The community's usual sense of safety has been disrupted by the news of the discovery.
Milidza Myers, a friend who regarded Mariadelis as a daughter, shared that she had known her for nearly two years. "She was just 28 years old; she was like my daughter," Myers said about the young Cuban who arrived in the United States in February 2024. Myers described her as a "kind and spiritual" person who preferred to stay close to home. "We walked, but only around this block, nothing more. We never went far, never walked far, just the block," Myers recounted.
Language barriers posed a daily challenge for Mariadelis, who did not speak English and often relied on Myers for translation and navigating daily life. For this reason, Myers found it hard to believe that Mariadelis had walked the nearly one-mile distance alone from her home to the wooded area where her body was found.
Details of the Discovery
Mariadelis Labrador Siles was reported missing by her partner on Monday, March 10. Two days later, her body was discovered in a wooded area near Braun Road and Mustang Ranch, just over a kilometer from her residence in the northwest part of Bexar County. According to the Medical Examiner's Office, she died from a stab wound to the chest. A shovel and a stake were found at the scene, but their connection to her death remains unclear. Flowers have been placed at the site by neighbors and friends as a tribute to Mariadelis.
Sheriff Salazar mentioned that officers are reviewing available security footage and expanding their search for clues in the neighborhood. The community is encouraged to share any relevant information with the Bexar County Sheriff's Office by calling 210-335-6000 or emailing bcsotips@bexar.org.
Community Support and the Pursuit of Justice
The death of Mariadelis Labrador has also galvanized the Cuban community and other San Antonio residents who have shown their support for her family. Nielvis Martínez, a friend of the deceased, initiated a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for funeral expenses and to repatriate her body to her native Pinar del Río. "Mariadelis Labrador was a joyful, kind, gentle soul with a pure heart. A daughter, sister, and friend who will be dearly missed. We want to bring her back home, where she belongs, to her family who is waiting in a state no parent should ever receive their child," Martínez expressed on the fundraising page.
The campaign quickly amassed $13,000, after which Martínez publicly thanked all contributors. "We deeply appreciate all the support and kindness from those who backed this fundraising effort; our sole goal here is to bring her home and cover all funeral arrangements," she explained, clarifying why they stopped accepting donations. Martínez urged the community to focus on supporting the quest for justice for Mariadelis.
"We ask that all efforts to show support be directed towards sharing Mariadelis's story, demanding answers, and urging investigators and police to do everything possible to find the responsible party and ensure justice is served," she pleaded.
The funeral for Mariadelis Labrador Siles is scheduled for March 21.
Key Questions Surrounding Mariadelis Labrador's Case
What evidence is being sought by the authorities?
Authorities are requesting any video footage of a woman matching Mariadelis's description between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on March 10, 2025, to help shed light on the circumstances surrounding her death.
How has the community responded to Mariadelis's death?
The community, including Mariadelis's friends and the broader Cuban community, has shown solidarity by organizing a fundraising campaign to cover funeral expenses and repatriate her body, as well as urging for a thorough investigation to bring justice.
What are the obstacles in the investigation of Mariadelis's death?
The investigation faces challenges such as the lack of significant leads, language barriers that Mariadelis faced, and the need for more information or evidence from the public.