Almost a month after the death of the young Cuban Mariadelis Labrador Siles in the city of San Antonio, Texas, authorities have still not been able to determine whether she died as a result of an alleged suicide or if, on the contrary, it was a homicide.
At this time, there is nobody under arrest, nor is there any person of interest for the authorities, according to a recent report from the Univision network, which confirms that the authorities have made very little progress in the case.
Amidst the stagnation of the investigation, people living in the area have created an emotional memorial in memory of the 28-year-old woman, whose body was found on March 12 after she was reported missing two days earlier, on the 10th of that month.
It is a kind of garden established at the site where the body was found.
In mid-March, the Bexar County sheriff, Javier Salazar, requested the community's assistance to clarify the tragic death.
“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 noted.
The request for assistance indicated that the police still had few leads regarding what really happened on that March 10th. What is most concerning is that several days later, the police still have no clear understanding of what occurred.
Quiet neighborhood, unexpected crime: Neighbors are asking questions
The death of the young Cuban has caused deep discomfort among the residents of the neighborhood where Mariadelis lived, who have described the area as a "quiet neighborhood."
Milidza Myers, friend and confidante of the victim, explained that she had known Mariadelis for almost two years and regarded her as a daughter.
"She was only 28 years old; she was like my daughter," he expressed 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 just around this block, nothing more. We never go out, we never walk far, no, just the block,” he reported.
The language barrier was a daily challenge for the young Cuban, who did not speak English and often relied on Myers to translate and manage everyday situations.
For this reason, her friend was incredulous at 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 of Bexar County.
According to the Office of the Medical Examiner, the young woman died from a stab wound to the chest. At the location where she was found, a shovel and a stake were also discovered, though it is unclear if they are related to Mariadelis's death. In the area where the body was found, neighbors and friends have placed flowers as a symbol of mourning and tribute to the victim.
It has been requested that any relevant information be communicated to the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office at 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 shown 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 take her back home, where she belongs, to her family who is waiting for her in a condition in which no parent should ever receive their daughter," Martínez expressed 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 fundraising effort; our sole objective here is to bring it home and cover the costs of all the funeral arrangements," he stated, explaining why they would no longer accept any more money.
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 police to do everything possible to find the person responsible and ensure that justice is served," they requested.
Frequently asked questions about the death of Mariadelis Labrador Siles in Texas
What is known about the cause of death of Mariadelis Labrador?
Mariadelis Labrador died from a stab wound to the chest, according to the Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office. Despite this finding, authorities have yet to determine whether it was a suicide or a homicide. At the scene, objects such as a shovel and a stake were found, but it has not been confirmed whether they are related to her death.
What has been the community's response to the death of Mariadelis?
The community has shown strong support and solidarity with the family of Mariadelis Labrador. A memorial has been erected at the location where her body was found, and fundraising campaigns have been conducted to cover funeral expenses and repatriate her body to Cuba. Moreover, the community has called for justice and clear answers regarding what happened.
What progress has been made in the investigation into Mariadelis's death?
So far, there have been no significant developments in the investigation of the death of Mariadelis Labrador. Authorities have not identified any suspects nor made any arrests. The Bexar County sheriff has requested the community's assistance in providing any information or video recordings that could help clarify the circumstances.
How can people contribute to the investigation of Mariadelis's case?
The community can help by communicating any relevant information to the Bexar County Sheriff's Office at 210-335-6000 or via email at bcsotips@bexar.org. Additionally, any video recordings taken on the morning of March 10, 2025, that may show Mariadelis Labrador are requested.
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