Family pleads for public help after tragic death of beloved San Antonio teen

SAN ANTONIO - The investigation continues into Tuesday night's shocking murder of 17-year-old Kaitlin Hernandez, whose nude body was discovered in a drainage ditch off Dell Oak Dr. on the Northeast Side. The Medical Examiner's Office says the cause of death was strangulation and blunt force trauma to the head.

On Thursday, San Antonio police confirmed a man who'd been a person of interest in the case has been located and is now cooperating with investigators. Crime Stoppers has announced they're offering up to $5,000 to anyone with information that leads to an arrest in the case.

As the search for her killer carries on, the Roosevelt High School student's family and friends are now placing candles and flowers near the ditch where she was found as part of a growing makeshift memorial. They're hoping the newly-announced reward will encourage someone to come forward with information that will lead to an arrest.

Kaitlin's aunt, Crystal Rodriguez, shared a heartbreaking plea with the public to help find the suspect responsible for her niece's tragic death.

"Somebody knows something," a tearful Rodriguez said Thursday. "Somebody saw something."

RELATED | Desperate for answers: Family mourns Roosevelt High School grad-to-be found dead

The teen's mother Angie Hernandez said she's still in denial that her daughter is gone. "Just very numb. It's surreal. I don't believe it's true."

Kaitlin's body was found less than half a mile from her home. Her mom says she'd gone for a walk with a male friend from the neighborhood that night. The friend came back, but she didn't. Police detained him for questioning and also tracked down another person of interest in the case, but so far no arrests have been made.

"We need to find out who did this, because she didn't deserve to be left there like an animal. It's just very ugly and cruel," said Hernandez. "I don't know what this person was thinking, why they targeted her. I don't understand."

Family members say Kaitlin had started going to church recently and was baptized last year.

"She always had a smile on her face," said Crystal. "She was loving and caring... she was just going to play outside with a friend that night."

Kaitlin was the third oldest of six children.

Now, the community is welcome to attend her vigil on Friday at 6 p.m. at 118 Ashland Dr.

SEE ALSO |Man severely injured in road rage shooting on Northwest Side, suspect detained

The family asks the public to bring their candles or balloons as they head towards the bridge where Kaitlin was found.

"We really want the public to know to contact Crime Stoppers for any information," said Crystal. "We are begging the public. We know someone saw something, heard something. If you're scared, you can remain anonymous."

The public is urged to call Crime Stoppers at210-224-7867 for any information regarding this case.

To donate towards Kaitlin's funeral costs, visit the GoFundMe here.