Uncle and Nephew Arrested in San Antonio Murder Investigation After Body Found in Vehicle; Authorities Continue to Probe Motive and Family Connections

SAN ANTONIO, TX – April 9, 2025 — A disturbing murder investigation has led to the arrest of two family members—an uncle and his nephew—following the discovery of a body in a vehicle in San Antonio on April 7, 2025. The authorities have confirmed that the victim was found inside a parked car in a residential neighborhood, prompting a swift response from the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD), who arrested the two men on suspicion of murder.

The chilling discovery unfolded when police responded to a call just after 10:30 a.m. on Monday morning, finding the vehicle parked in an alley near the intersection of Nacogdoches Road and Ridgewood Drive. Upon approaching the car, officers discovered the body of a male victim in the back seat. The victim’s identity has not yet been released, and investigators are working to notify next of kin.

The Arrests of the Uncle and Nephew

Authorities quickly connected the two suspects—35-year-old Jeremy Cruz, the uncle, and his 22-year-old nephew, Michael Cruz—to the crime. Both men were taken into custody without incident and are facing charges of murder.

“We’ve gathered enough evidence to believe that both individuals are responsible for this crime,” said SAPD Lieutenant Daniel Rodriguez. “The circumstances surrounding the murder and the victim’s relationship to the suspects are still under investigation, but we are confident in the arrests that have been made.”

At this time, police have not revealed the exact cause of death or the motive for the murder, as the investigation is ongoing. However, law enforcement sources indicate that the suspects may have had prior contact with the victim, though the nature of that relationship is still being examined.

The Discovery of the Victim’s Body

The investigation began when a concerned neighbor noticed the suspicious vehicle parked in the alley for an extended period. After seeing the car was still there for several hours, they alerted authorities, prompting a welfare check. Upon arriving at the scene, officers confirmed the presence of the body inside the vehicle, which had been abandoned in a secluded area, contributing to the urgency of the case.

“We’re still piecing together how the vehicle ended up in that particular location and whether it had been there overnight or longer,” Lieutenant Rodriguez explained. “The condition of the body and the surroundings are being closely examined for clues that might help us understand what happened.”

Early evidence suggests that the victim may have been killed elsewhere before being transported to the vehicle. Investigators are also looking into potential links to previous crimes in the area.

A Shocking Family Connection

The arrest of Jeremy Cruz and his nephew, Michael Cruz, has left many in the local community stunned, especially considering the familial relationship between the suspects and the victim. As of now, investigators have not disclosed whether the victim was a relative or someone with close ties to the family.

“We are still working to understand the dynamics between these individuals,” said Sergeant Emily Sanchez, a spokeswoman for SAPD. “It’s too early to say what led to this tragedy, but we are committed to uncovering all the details as we move forward with the case.”

Family members of the suspects have been questioned by law enforcement, though authorities are being tight-lipped about any possible connections or details about their cooperation in the investigation.

“We are deeply saddened and shocked by what has happened,” said Maria Gonzalez, a relative of the suspects. “This is a family tragedy, and we are hoping for justice for the victim and answers to how this could have occurred.”

Investigation and Community Concerns

San Antonio residents have expressed shock and concern over the murder, particularly given the involvement of close family members in such a heinous act. Community leaders are calling for increased support for mental health services and conflict resolution within families.

“This tragedy highlights the importance of addressing underlying issues that may contribute to such violence,” said Juanita Moreno, a community activist in San Antonio. “We need to ensure that families have access to resources that can help prevent conflicts from escalating to the point of violence.”

Local authorities have vowed to continue their thorough investigation, and further updates are expected as more information is gathered. The SAPD has also stated that they will be working closely with the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office to prepare the case for prosecution.

The Road Ahead: Legal Proceedings

As of now, Jeremy Cruz and Michael Cruz are both in Bexar County Jail, awaiting formal charges. They are scheduled to appear in court within the next few days, where a judge will determine whether they will face bail or remain in custody.

“This is just the beginning of a long process,” said District Attorney Sarah De La Cruz. “We will ensure that justice is served for the victim and that those responsible are held accountable for their actions.”

The victim’s family, though still awaiting further details, has expressed a desire for justice to be served, hoping that those responsible will be brought to trial.

A Community in Shock

As news of the arrest and murder spreads, the San Antonio community remains shaken by the events. Local churches, schools, and neighborhood associations are rallying around the family of the victim and offering support to anyone impacted by the crime.

“Everyone deserves to feel safe in their own community, and tragedies like this leave a lasting impact,” said Pastor Steven Hartman, a local religious leader. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family, and we are hoping that the community can heal from this senseless violence.”

Next Steps in the Investigation

The San Antonio Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the victim’s death. Officials are asking anyone with information about the case to come forward and assist in the investigation.

Residents with any information related to the case or who may have witnessed anything suspicious in the area are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers at (210) 224-STOP.

Contact Information:

For more details on this case or to report any relevant information, contact the San Antonio Police Department at (210) 207-7635.