SAN ANTONIO — The family of Matthew Guerra held a vigil New Year’s day to honor the life of the young man murdered along with his pregnant girlfriend.
Matthew and Savanah Soto were found dead last week in a Medical Center apartment complex parking lot inside their vehicle.
Police are searching for two persons of interest in the capital murder case. The family said Monday they are trying to remain patient.
“God says vengeance is his and with all my heart I believe eventually the person responsible for this heinous crime will be caught and brought to justice,” Gabriel Guerra said.
Still, the father said he has had sleepless nights and has had to rely on family to get through this difficult time.
Matthew’s stepmom Raquel Guerra said she and Savanah had made plans to celebrate the holidays.
“Never in a million years would I think this would happen, something so tragic would happen, especially to our grandson,” Raquel said. “We thought we were going to be growing as a family in 2024.”
The family said Matthew was energetic, loving and working on himself.
Gabriel said he believed by becoming a father, Matthew would change for the better.
“In my heart I know Matthew had nothing to do with this, and him and Savanah and Fabian are together right now and they’re waiting for justice as well,” Gabriel said.
The family prayed, released balloons and lit candles. At the end of the vigil, they shared stories about Matthew. Some members of Savanah Soto’s family, including her mother, showed up to the vigil.
“When he was sad, he still put on a smile, that’s one thing about Matthew, he was always smiling no matter what,” Matthew’s brother, Steven Hernandez, said.
Matthew’s biological mother, Karen Hernandez, said she is trying to stay strong.
“I’m just praying to God, that’s all I can do is pray,” Hernandez said.
Anyone with information about the two persons of interest are asked to call SAPD at (210) 207-7674 or (210) 207-7440.