The Bexar County Sheriff, Javier Salazar, has requested community assistance to clarify the tragic death of Mariadelis Labrador Siles, a 28-year-old Cuban woman who was found dead last week in the city of San Antonio, Texas.
"The public is invited to share any video recordings taken between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on Monday, March 10, 2025, where a 28-year-old woman matching the description of Mariadelis can be seen, who was wearing cinnamon-colored shorts (better described as leggings) and a blue long-sleeve zip-up sweatshirt," the authorities stated.
The request for assistance indicates that the police still do not have many details about what really happened on that March 10th.
Quiet neighborhood, unexpected crime: Neighbors are left wondering
The death of the young Cuban - which the police have been reluctant to classify as a homicide - has caused deep unrest among the residents of the neighborhood where Mariadelis lived.
“I wonder what happened, because this has always been a quiet neighborhood”, said Cisco González, a local resident, in statements reported by the local press; who also described Mariadelis' death as something that “is not normal” in that area.
The sense of safety and the usual tranquility of the area were disrupted by the news of the body being found.
Milidza Myers, friend and confidante of the victim, explained that she had known Mariadelis for almost two years and considered her like a daughter.
"She was only 28 years old; she was like my daughter," he said about the young Cuban who arrived in the United States in February 2024.
Myers described her as a "kind and spiritual" person who preferred not to stray too far from home.
“We walk, but only around this block, nothing more. We never go out, we never walk far, no, just the block,” he recounted.
The language barrier was a daily challenge for the young Cuban woman, who did not speak English and often relied on Myers to translate and handle everyday situations.
For this reason, her friend was skeptical about the possibility that Mariadelis had traveled the approximately one mile distance from her home to the wooded area where her lifeless body was found.
Findings and details of the case
Mariadelis Labrador Siles was reported by her partner as missing on Monday, March 10.
Two days later, her body was found in a wooded area near Braun Road and Mustang Ranch, just over a kilometer from her residence, in the northwest part of Bexar County.
According to the Office of the Medical Examiner, the young woman died from a stab wound to the chest. At the site where she was found, a shovel and a stake were also discovered, but it is unclear if they are related to Mariadelis's death. In the area where the body was located, neighbors and friends have left flowers as a symbol of mourning and tribute to the victim.
Sheriff Salazar has stated that the officers are reviewing the available security footage and expanding the search for clues in the neighborhood.
Additionally, it has been requested that any relevant information be communicated to the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office at the phone number 210-335-6000 or via email at bcsotips@bexar.org.
Solidarity and a fight for justice
The death of Mariadelis Labrador has also mobilized the Cuban community and other residents of San Antonio, who have demonstrated their solidarity with the young woman's family.
Nielvis Martínez, a friend of the deceased, launched a campaign on GoFundMe to raise funds aimed at covering funeral expenses and repatriating the body to her hometown of Pinar del Río.
“Mariadelis Labrador was a cheerful, kind, gentle girl with a pure heart. A daughter, sister, and friend whom many will miss. We want to bring her back home, where she belongs, to her family that is waiting for her in a state in which no parent should ever receive their daughter,” Martínez stated on the fundraising page.
The campaign quickly raised $13,000. Subsequently, Martínez publicly thanked everyone who contributed.
"We deeply appreciate all the support and kindness from those who have backed this fundraiser; our sole objective here is to bring it home and cover the costs of all the funeral arrangements," he affirmed, explaining why they were no longer accepting any more funds.
Martínez urged the community to focus its efforts now on supporting the pursuit of justice for Mariadelis.
"We ask that all efforts to show support focus on sharing Mariadelis's story, demanding answers, and urging investigators and the police to do everything possible to find the person responsible and ensure that justice is served," she requested.
The funeral of Mariadelis Labrador Siles is scheduled for March 21.
Frequently asked questions about the tragic death of Mariadelis Labrador Siles in Texas
How did the death of Mariadelis Labrador Siles occur?
Mariadelis Labrador Siles was found dead due to a stab wound to the chest in a wooded area near her home in San Antonio, Texas. The police are still investigating whether it is a homicide, as items such as a shovel and a stake were found near the body.
What information has been requested from the community to clarify the case?
The sheriff of Bexar County has requested the community's assistance in providing video recordings taken between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on March 10, 2025 that may show Mariadelis, who was wearing cinnamon-colored shorts and a blue zip-up sweatshirt. Additionally, any relevant information should be communicated to the Bexar County Sheriff's Office.
How has the Cuban community reacted to Mariadelis's death?
The Cuban community in San Antonio has shown its solidarity with Mariadelis' family by launching a campaign on GoFundMe to cover funeral expenses and repatriate the body to Cuba. The campaign quickly raised $13,000, and efforts are now focused on seeking justice for the young woman.
What challenges did Mariadelis face in her daily life in the United States?
Mariadelis faced the language barrier as she did not speak English, which complicated her daily life in the United States. She relied on her friend Milidza Myers to translate and manage everyday situations, and she often limited herself to walking near her home due to these challenges.
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