A passerby reported the early morning fire before crews found two children dead inside.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — San Antonio police charged an Edinburg mother with capital murder after two young children were found dead Friday morning in a burned car behind a West Side warehouse.
The suspect, 34-year-old Marlene Vidal, was identified by police as the children’s mother. Investigators said the children were believed to be 5 and 7 years old. Their names and official identities had not been released while the Bexar County Medical Examiner continued its work.
Police said the case began when a person walking a dog spotted a burning white Hyundai near Richland Hills Drive and Potranco Road. The vehicle was in a parking lot behind a warehouse. The witness called 911 after seeing the fire and a woman nearby. Police said that woman, later identified as Vidal, told the witness authorities had already been contacted.
Officers and firefighters arrived and found the vehicle engulfed or badly burned. After the fire was out, crews discovered the bodies of two children inside. Assistant Police Chief Jesse Salame said the scene was difficult for first responders and investigators. “Scenes involving children are never easy,” he said, adding that the case would affect the wider community.
Police said Vidal was still at the scene when officers arrived. She later told investigators she was the children’s mother, officials said. Salame said statements from Vidal, surveillance footage and evidence collected at the scene indicated she was solely responsible for the deaths. Police did not say what the footage showed.
Investigators had not announced a motive by Saturday. Salame said police were examining whether mental health issues were involved, but he did not give further details. Officials also declined to say how the fire started, what may have been used to ignite it, or whether the children died before or during the fire.
Authorities said the family lived in Edinburg, about 230 miles south of San Antonio, but Vidal had family ties in San Antonio. Police said they were working to speak with the children’s father, relatives and others who may have information about the family’s movements before the fire.
Early confusion over the number of children in the vehicle was corrected after firefighters helped investigators take apart the burned Hyundai. Police said the damage made the first search difficult. By Friday morning’s later briefing, officials confirmed that two children had been found.
Vidal’s case moved into the booking and investigation stage Friday. The next major steps include medical examiner findings, further forensic testing, witness interviews and any court filings from prosecutors.
The investigation remained active Saturday, with police saying no additional suspects had been identified.
Author note: Last updated May 16, 2026.