Marissa U. Jernigan, a 20-year-old woman from San Antonio, Texas, tragically lost her life on June 8, 2019. She was the mother of a young son named Ryder and was well-loved by her family and friends. Marissa was born on September 13, 1998, at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, and grew up in San Antonio.
The investigation into Marissa's death revealed that she was shot multiple times by her ex-boyfriend, Brian Ontiveros, after he broke into her apartment.
Brian Ontiveros, who was also the father of Marissa's son, fled to Mexico shortly after the murder but was eventually captured and extradited back to the United States. The case received national attention and was featured on the Investigation Discovery show "In Pursuit with John Walsh" in 2021.
In June 2023, Brian Ontiveros was found guilty of Marissa's murder and sentenced to life in prison. The trial and subsequent conviction brought a sense of relief and closure to Marissa's family, who had endured years of grief and uncertainty. The Bexar County District Attorney, Joe Gonzales, praised the efforts of local and federal law enforcement, as well as the determination of Marissa's family, in bringing Ontiveros to justice.
Marissa's death was a senseless tragedy that deeply affected her family and community. Her memory lives on through her son and the love and support of those who knew her.
