SAN ANTONIO – Elementary school-aged children are mourning the loss of their beloved classmate Delilah Hernandez. The 10-year-old was shot and killed during a shooting on Thanksgiving Day.
San Antonio police said the violence was gang-related.
Mother: ‘There was blood everywhere'
On Monday evening, friends and teachers from West Avenue Elementary School wrapped Hernandez’s mother in hugs and prayers on the front yard of her home at Harwood Drive and West Avenue.
Rosanelly Castrano had tears falling down her cheeks as she tried to understand her loss.
“The most important thing about her is she was my best friend and I’ll miss her,” she said.
Naiema Maes said Hernandez was an amazing girl.
“She was a really good person and she gave everyone a chance,” Maes said.
Many parents, like Amanda Espinoza, were having a difficult time explaining to their children why this tragedy happened.
“As hard as it is, being put in this situation, it's going to make them stronger,” she said. “It's sad but it's reality. Things like this happen every day,” Espinoza said.
Girl, 10, shot and killed while watching TV
Teachers and other school staff were also there for the vigil.
They hope the grief of all the school kids will motivate someone to come forward.
“One phone call, that's all it takes, one phone call to say, ‘Hey, I know who did it,’” Espinoza said. “One phone call to say ‘Hey, I’m sorry and I’m going to turn myself in.’”
Police have not yet made any arrests.
Investigators said they believe the intended target may have been the victim’s older brother. Two other children were home at the time, but were not hurt.