SAN ANTONIO – A tragedy unfolded in San Antonio, where the family of 42-year-old Valeen Tellez grapples with grief after her death in what police have classified as a homicide. Jose Meza, 50, was arrested in connection with the incident that left Tellez dead and has deeply affected her loved ones.
Tellez’s daughter, Ashlyn Tellez, revealed that the family was familiar with Meza, who had attended gatherings and had been in a relationship with her mother for about two years. “It’s shocking how someone could change so quickly and take our mom from us, especially knowing how much we needed her,” Ashlyn said.
The situation came to a head Monday at a hotel on South Laredo Street, where authorities responded to a reported attempted suicide. According to an arrest affidavit, the call was made by Meza’s wife, who was discovered at the scene with him. When police arrived, they found a disturbing scene: Meza sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the arm, while Tellez was found with a fatal neck wound, described in the affidavit as lying in a pool of blood.
Valeen Tellez was cherished by those who knew her. “Everyone loved her; she was like a little ray of sunshine,” Ashlyn said, underscoring the familial bond that has been shattered. Valeen’s other daughter, Amber Tellez, acknowledged they were unaware of any threats Meza had made against their mother in the past.
The affidavit indicated a complex relationship, revealing that Meza and Tellez had been involved for two years, despite him portraying himself as divorced. The family expressed confusion over his secretive nature. “He never gave us any reason to think he was dangerous,” Ashlyn noted.
Additionally, investigators located a note written in Spanish at the hotel, in which Meza claimed to have lost control under the influence of drugs and expressed remorse, stating he had never intended to cause harm. Ashlyn mentioned that they believe Meza had been struggling with substance abuse prior to the incident, complicating an already tragic narrative.
Valeen’s daughters are now faced with the emotional burden of moving forward after such a devastating loss. “Every day is a challenge, but we must keep going,” Ashlyn added.
After the incident, Meza was hospitalized for his injuries but remained in police custody. He faces a $250,000 bond and has yet to be released. Meanwhile, Valeen’s family is working to fund her funeral, seeking support from their community.
For those impacted by domestic violence, help is available. Resources are provided for individuals seeking support, emphasizing the importance of awareness and safety in the face of such dire circumstances. In emergencies, individuals are urged to contact local authorities or hotlines dedicated to assisting victims.