SAN ANTONIO – A Northwest Side family spent their Thanksgiving grieving their 10-year-old daughter, who was shot to death early Thursday morning while she lay sleeping.
Jaqueline Vega, the girl’s mother, was in tears as she recounted the moments she lost her only daughter.
“I heard gunshots,” she said. “I ran to the living room, threw my little boy on the floor, covered them. I didn’t think it would reach all the way to the back room. That’s where my daughter was.”
When the gunshots finally stopped, Vega ran to the room where her daughter, Delilah Hernandez, lay asleep and found her shot.
“There was blood everywhere,” Vega said.
Paramedics rushed Delilah to a hospital, but she did not survive.
“I hope whoever did this feels what I’m feeling because it's not right. She was innocent,” Vega said.
Vega said she has no idea who would want to shoot up her house, but police are investigating gang activity as a possible motive.
San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said Vega’s oldest son, who turned 19 Thursday, told police he was the intended target.
Vega also has two other sons, ages 11 and 12. She said she fears for their safety now.
“I’m scared to even let them leave my side,” she said.
Vega is clinging to the thought that her only little girl is at peace with her other loved ones who have died.
“She’s watching over us. She’s with grandpa,” Vega said.
Vega said Delilah wanted to be a police officer or Youtube star when she grew up.
Anyone with information about the shooter is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 210-224-7867.