A Texas mother was arrested after authorities found her two children dead in a burning car.
In a press briefing, San Antonio Police Department Assistant Chief Jesse Salame said officers responded to a report of a burning car behind a warehouse early on the morning of Friday, May 15.
Inside, authorities found the two children dead inside the vehicle. Salame said the children are believed to be 5 and 7 years old.
Salame said the suspect was identified as Marlene Vidal, 34, who allegedly told police she is the mother of the two children. Vidal is a resident of Edinburg, Texas, but has family connections in San Antonio, per the assistant chief.
Police, having reviewed surveillance footage and statements allegedly given by Vidal, said she is believed to be solely responsible for the deaths of the two children.
Vidal has been arrested and charged with capital murder, according to Salame. It is not immediately clear if she has appeared in court or entered a plea.
Investigators are now in the process of interviewing family members and others connected to the case, Salame said.
“We don’t yet have a clear motive, however, there are indications that mental health issues may have played a role,” Salame said.
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