On the night of June 18, 2024, 27-year-old Ariel Jade Martinez and her partner, 31-year-old Jonathan David Medrano, were fatally shot while driving on San Antonio's West Side. The incident occurred around 11:15 p.m. in the 4300 block of West Martin Street. According to preliminary reports, an unknown assailant in another vehicle opened fire on Martinez and Medrano's car, causing it to veer off the road and crash into a drainage ditch.
Tragically, the out-of-control vehicle struck two individuals who were sitting on steps near the embankment. A 37-year-old man, later identified as Roy "RoRo" Alderete, was pinned under the car and pronounced dead at the scene. A woman who was with Alderete sustained minor injuries.
Emergency responders found Martinez deceased at the scene, while Medrano was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries shortly after midnight. Both had suffered fatal gunshot wounds.
In the months following the incident, the San Antonio Police Department has not announced any arrests or identified any suspects. The investigation remains active, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.
The deaths of Martinez and Medrano have left a void in their community. Martinez, a mother of two, was remembered for her infectious laughter and compassionate spirit. She was passionate about the beauty industry, managing her own salon business, and was attending aesthetician school to become a licensed aesthetician.
The loss of Alderete also resonated deeply with his family and friends. Known affectionately as "RoRo," he was remembered as a beloved brother and friend who chose to live on the streets with his community after the passing of close family members.
As of December 2024, the case remains unsolved, and the community continues to seek justice for the victims. Authorities encourage anyone with information to contact the San Antonio Police Department to assist in bringing closure to this tragic event.
