On May 6, 2026, San Antonio police confirmed that 46‑year‑old Elia Zereth Hernandez was shot and killed by her husband, 46‑year‑old Armando Hernandez, a Southwest ISD police corporal, in a suspected murder‑suicide on Southwest Loop 410 near Valley Hi Drive. Both were pronounced dead at the scene after their vehicle crashed, and the Bexar County Medical Examiner ruled Elia’s death a homicide and Armando’s death a suicide.
San Antonio Police Department officers were dispatched just before 3 p.m. Wednesday to the northbound lanes of Southwest Loop 410 near Valley Hi Drive after reports of a major accident. When they arrived, EMS was already on scene and found two people inside a single vehicle. Both had sustained gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead at the scene.
The victims were identified as Elia Zereth Hernandez and Armando Hernandez, both 46 years old. The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Elia died by homicide and Armando by suicide. Records confirmed that Elia was Armando’s wife.
Southwest ISD officials confirmed that Armando Hernandez had served as a corporal with the district’s police department since August 10, 2010, working for more than 15 years. District records and online licensing information verified his employment history.
The incident was initially reported as a traffic crash, but investigators quickly determined the deaths were the result of gunfire. Police categorized the case as a murder‑suicide, and the crash involved only the Hernandez vehicle.
Family and friends of the Hernandez family have launched a fundraiser to help cover funeral expenses and provide support for their two sons, Alex and Zian. Community members have expressed shock and grief, noting the tragedy’s impact on both the family and the Southwest ISD community.
Authorities emphasized that the case highlights issues of domestic violence and suicide, urging residents to seek help if they or someone they know is in crisis. Resources include the Family Violence Prevention Services in San Antonio at Number and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at Number.