SAN ANTONIO — Mother Frances Szabo and her husband, Thomas Eckel, attended the graduation of Szabo's son on Saturday. She never dreamed she would be walking the stage for him.
University of the Incarnate Word student Joseph Banales was about to complete his Bachelors of Science in Nursing earlier this year. He had served in student government. He served in the ROTC and was set to commission into the U.S. Army Nurse Corps, just like his mother.
Then on April 15, of this year, someone shot Banales in Selma as he was driving home from a military ball. Banales' car later crashed and responders fund him shot in the head. The family believes it was a road rage incident.
The University of the Incarnate Word chose to honor Banales with a posthumous degree during their Commencement Ceremony on Saturday. Szabo accepted the honor, but it was still a hard day.
"We're very proud Joseph was a beautiful young man with a lot of life ahead of him," Szabo said. "it's a bittersweet day full of different emotions."
Vice Provost Dr. Dimitri Tamalis said Banales was "an integral part of the UIW community" and said, "he proudly served our country and was looking forward to providing care as a nurse. We are proud to honor Joseph today."
Szabo said she was grateful for the love and support offered by the University of the Incarnate Word and was glad Banales was honored for his hard work over the last four years.
"He accomplished this. He worked so hard, so very hard. I wish he would be here accepting it today," Szabo said.
At the same time, Banales' case remains unsolved and his family is still waiting for justice. The family is asking anyone with information about the murder of their son to please come forward and contact police.
Army investigators are offering a $25,000 reward, and Crime Stoppers is also offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.