A 34-year-old Cuban, identified as Duniel Arjona Soto, tragically took the life of his one-year-old son before ending his own in what appears to be a murder-suicide in San Antonio, Texas. According to local media reports, both father and son were discovered with stab wounds inside a vehicle at Phil Hardberger Park, located in the northern part of the city.
Authorities confirmed that young Benjamín Arjona Palacio fell victim to his father in this heart-wrenching incident. The events unfolded on March 26, after a relative of Arjona Soto alerted the police following a disturbing phone call in which he expressed suicidal thoughts and hinted at danger to his son if help did not arrive quickly.
The call was received shortly before 8:00 p.m., prompting the relative to rush to the park where they found both individuals unconscious and with visible stab wounds inside a car. Officers from the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) soon arrived at the scene, which was located in the rear parking lot near the dog area on 13200 block of Blanco Road, close to Wurzbach Parkway.
Preliminary reports suggest that Duniel Arjona fatally stabbed his son before taking his own life with a knife. However, the investigation is still ongoing, and further details may emerge. The medical examiner's autopsy revealed that Arjona Soto died from a stab wound to the chest, with additional details being evaluated to ascertain the precise cause of death. His son, Benjamín, also succumbed to stab injuries.
A Community in Mourning
The brutality of the act and the tender age of the victim have left a profound impact on the local community. Witnesses like Jessica Pérez, who was walking her dog in the park at the time, described the scene as deeply disturbing.
"It's a very sad situation. It breaks my heart. I feel for the mother. The community is hurting," Pérez expressed to local media outlets.
The area was cordoned off for several hours as officials conducted their investigations. Although the crime scene was cleared the following day, the sorrow lingered among the area's residents.
Ongoing Investigation
While the incident has been initially classified by San Antonio police as a murder-suicide, no potential motives have been publicly disclosed. The investigation remains active, and authorities have not ruled out releasing more information as the case unfolds. This marks the second occurrence in less than a month involving the deaths of Cubans in San Antonio.
Just weeks prior, Mariadelis Labrador Siles, a Cuban woman, died from a stab wound to the chest during a morning walk.
Frequently Asked Questions About the San Antonio Tragedy
What led to the murder-suicide in San Antonio?
The specific motives behind Duniel Arjona Soto's actions have not been publicly disclosed, and the investigation is ongoing. Authorities continue to explore all possible explanations for this tragic event.
How has the local community reacted to the incident?
The community has been deeply affected by the tragedy, with residents expressing sorrow and empathy towards the victims' family. This incident has left a lasting impact on those who live nearby.
Is there any connection to previous incidents in San Antonio?
This is the second case within a month involving the deaths of Cubans in San Antonio, following the fatal stabbing of Mariadelis Labrador Siles. However, no direct connection between the incidents has been reported.