Authorities in San Antonio are investigating a heartbreaking murder-suicide that occurred Wednesday evening at Phil Hardberger Park. A 34-year-old man, identified as Daniel Cesar Arjona-Soto, is believed to have killed his 1-year-old son, Benjamin Arjona-Palacio, before taking his own life.
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The Call for Help: Family Member’s Discovery
The tragic incident unfolded when Arjona-Soto contacted a family member, expressing concerns about harming the child. According to Officer Ricardo Guzman, a public information officer with the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD), Arjona-Soto told the family member he might have injured the child and urged them to get to the park before it was too late. He then sent his location, which led the family member to the parking lot of Phil Hardberger Park.
Upon arriving at the scene, the family member found both the father and son deceased inside a vehicle. Authorities were called, and police arrived at around 8 p.m.
Cause of Death and Ongoing Investigation
On Thursday morning, the Bexar County Medical Examiner confirmed that both Arjona-Soto and his son had suffered from stab wounds. The case is being investigated as a murder-suicide, with Arjona-Soto being identified as the suspect.
The exact timeline of events remains unclear, particularly the amount of time that passed between Arjona-Soto’s call to his relative and their arrival at the park. The San Antonio Police Department is continuing its investigation to gather more details.
Community Reactions and Support
This tragic event has deeply shaken the local community, as authorities and residents alike grapple with the shock and grief surrounding the loss of a child and the circumstances leading to the death of his father. Mental health and domestic violence experts emphasize the importance of seeking support when dealing with emotional or psychological struggles to prevent similar tragedies.
