Savanah Soto's GoFundMe surpasses $18K as Matthew Guerra's family holds vigil days after murder of couple

Savanah Soto's GoFundMe surpasses $18K as Matthew Guerra's family holds vigil days after murder of Texas teen couple
Savanah Nicole Soto and her boyfriend Matthew Guerra were discovered dead in a car in San Antonio (Leon Valley Police, Gloria Cordova/ Facebook)

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS: In the aftermath of the devastating discovery of 22-year-old Matthew Guerra and his pregnant girlfriend, 18-year-old Savanah Soto, a GoFundMe campaign has exceeded all expectations, raising over $18,327 to cover the funeral expenses for the deceased mother and her unborn child, Fabian.

While the community rallies behind the fundraising efforts, Guerra's family and friends gathered at Woodlawn Lake Park for a poignant prayer vigil on Monday, January 1. 

The police who had listed both as missing found them dead in the car on Tuesday, 26 December after police were alerted about the car in an apartment complex in San Antonio (Leon Valley Police)
The police who had listed both as missing found them dead in the car on Tuesday, 26 December (Leon Valley Police)

What happened to Matthew Guerra and Savanah Soto?

The young couple was found dead inside Guerra's gray 2013 Kia Optima at a Northwest Side apartment complex on Tuesday, December 26. Both victims had suffered gunshot wounds to the head.

The tragedy struck just a day before Savanah was scheduled to undergo labor induction to welcome their first child into the world. The Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office has officially ruled the deaths as homicides.

The GoFundMe campaign was initiated with the heartfelt plea, "The tragic passing of Savanah Nicole Soto and Baby Fabian has brought so much pain and heartache to us all."

"We are starting this fundraiser in hopes to raise funds to help funeral expenses, to give our sweet Savanah and Baby Fabian the funeral they deserve." 

San Antonio Police releases video of potential suspects

As the investigation continues, the San Antonio Police Department released video footage of potential persons of interest on December 28, seeking the public's help in identifying the suspects involved in this heinous crime.

Savanah Nicole Soto and her boyfriend Matthew Guerra were discovered dead in a car in San Antonio (Facebook and San Antonio Police Department)
Police release footage of 'persons of interest' in deaths of Savanah Soto and Matthew Guerra
(Facebook and San Antonio Police Department)

However, the families have been divided in the aftermath of the tragedy, with past interviews revealing references to Guerra's troubled lifestyle, including legal issues and a guilty plea for assaulting Savanah in late 2022. 

Amid the complex emotions, family members stress that Guerra deserves a chance at redemption and that his criminal record doesn't define his entire character. Sabian Hernandez, 27, one of Guerra's half-brothers, tearfully said, "He was ready to be a father. He was excited," San Antonio Express News reports. 

As the investigation unfolded, authorities released a video showing a dark-colored Chevrolet Silverado interacting with Guerra's vehicle on the day of the incident.

Officials urge anyone with information to contact the San Antonio Police Department at (210) 207-7674 or (210) 207-7440, assuring anonymity for those providing crucial details.

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