Gone Too Soon: The Senseless Killing of 14-Year-Old Simon Cuevas
SAN ANTONIO, TX — A community is in mourning after the tragic and senseless death of Simon Cuevas, a bright 14-year-old student whose promising future was stolen in a brutal shooting earlier this year. On April 16, San Antonio police responded to the intersection of South Elmendorf Street and Merida Street, where they found Simon suffering from a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries, leaving family, friends, and classmates shattered.
The arrest affidavit paints a chilling picture of what happened that day. Surveillance footage showed a group of individuals trailing Simon as he left school. Witnesses reported that the teenager was assaulted by multiple people—one of whom pulled out a firearm and shot him before fleeing the scene. This deliberate and coordinated attack has left the community in disbelief and deep sorrow.
Arrest Made, But Justice Can’t Bring Him Back
After months of investigation and tips from the public, authorities arrested Fernando Flores, 18, on charges of capital murder in Simon’s death. According to Bexar County records, Flores allegedly confessed to the shooting, and a brown hoodie matching the one worn during the crime was recovered. Anonymous tips and witness identifications solidified the case, leading to Flores’ apprehension on Thursday.
The arrest brings a measure of relief, but it cannot heal the wound left in the hearts of Simon’s loved ones. His death has sparked outrage, not only for its cruelty but also for the fact that such violence targeted a young teenager in broad daylight, just steps away from where he should have been safest—near his school.
The affidavit also reveals that the suspects collaborated to orchestrate the attack, with one suspect’s mother reportedly driving the group and later identifying her son from a photo lineup. The chilling details have only deepened the grief and anger in the community, prompting calls for stronger measures to protect students.
Remembering Simon’s Light in the Darkness
Simon Cuevas was more than the headlines. He was a son, a friend, and a classmate with dreams and a future ahead of him. Those who knew him remember his laughter, his kindness, and his gentle spirit. His life, full of potential, was stolen in an instant by a moment of senseless violence.
The San Antonio Independent School District and community members have rallied around Simon’s family, offering support, vigils, and messages of love. For them, justice is not just about a conviction—it’s about ensuring no other child suffers the same fate.
As his family prepares to say their final goodbyes, the pain is overwhelming, but so is the love pouring in from across the city. Simon’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him, and his story will serve as a solemn reminder of the urgent need to protect our youth from the dangers that claim far too many lives.
