A 34-year-old Cuban identified as Duniel Arjona Soto allegedly killed his one-year-old son this Wednesday and then took his own life in an apparent case of homicide-suicide that occurred in the city of San Antonio, in the state of Texas.
The authorities -cited by the local press- reported that both were found with stab wounds inside a car in Phil Hardberger Park, north of the city.
The authorities indicated that the boy, Benjamín Arjona Palacio, allegedly died at the hands of his parent.
The tragic event took place on March 26, when a family member of the man alerted the police after receiving a troubling phone call in which Arjona Soto expressed suicidal intentions and suggested that his son was also in danger if they did not arrive quickly at the scene.
The call was received shortly before 8:00 p.m., prompting immediate action from the authorities who arrived at the park, where both were found inside a car, unconscious and with apparent stab wounds.
Shortly after, agents from the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) arrived at the scene, located in the rear parking lot of the designated dog area on the 13200 block of Blanco Road, near Wurzbach Parkway.
The officers confirmed that both the father and the child had multiple stab wounds.
According to preliminary reports from the police, all indications are that Duniel Arjona stabbed his son before taking his own life with a knife; however, the investigation is still ongoing and new revelations cannot be ruled out.
The autopsy conducted by the forensic doctor indicated that Arjona Soto died from a stab wound to the chest, although further details are being analyzed to determine the exact cause of his death. His son, Benjamín, also died from stab wounds.
A community shaken by tragedy
The violence of the act and the young age of the victim have left a strong impression on the local community.
Witnesses like Jessica Pérez, who was walking her dog in the park at the time of the incident, described the atmosphere as deeply unsettling.
"It's a very sad situation. It makes me sad. I feel for the mother. It hurts me for the community," said the woman in statements to local media. The area was cordoned off for several hours while officers conducted the necessary investigations. The next day, although the crime scene had already been cleared, the pain lingered among the residents of the area.
Ongoing investigations
So far, the San Antonio police have classified the incident as an apparent murder-suicide, although no possible motive explaining the father's actions has been publicly revealed.
The investigation remains open, and authorities have not ruled out the possibility of releasing more information as the case progresses.
It is the second case, in less than a month, in which Cubans have died in the city of San Antonio.
A few weeks ago, the case of Mariadelis Labrador Siles, a Cuban who died after being stabbed in the chest while taking a morning walk was brought to light.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Tragic Homicide-Suicide Case in Texas
What happened with Duniel Arjona Soto and his son in San Antonio, Texas?
Duniel Arjona Soto allegedly killed his one-year-old son and then took his own life in an apparent case of homicide-suicide. Both were found with stab wounds inside a car in Phil Hardberger Park.
What could be the cause behind this tragic event?
According to family members, a possible reason that may have led Duniel Arjona to make this decision was the recent separation from his partner and the fear of losing contact with his son. Duniel's attachment to his son Benjamín was very strong, which could have triggered a desperate reaction.
How has the local community reacted to this event?
The local community is deeply affected and shocked by the tragedy. The violent act and the young age of the victim have left a strong impression on the residents, who express their sadness and sorrow for the mother and the families of the victims.
What steps are the family members of Duniel Arjona Soto taking following his death?
The family of Duniel is in the process of preparing for his farewell. They plan to hold a wake for him and then cremate him, with the intention of taking his ashes to Cuba. However, they are facing concerns about immigration restrictions and the possibility of not being able to return to the United States.
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