In a West Bexar County neighborhood near San Antonio, Texas, the tragic deaths of a mother and her young son are drawing expressions of sorrow from both the local community and beyond.
Savannah Kriger, aged 32, and her 3-year-old son, Kaiden Kriger, became the center of a tragic investigation after they were reported missing, only to be found deceased the following day.
The chain of events began on Monday, March 18, 2024, when an Amber Alert was activated for Kaiden and Savannah Kriger after they unexpectedly disappeared.
According to the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), Savannah had left her workplace prematurely to collect Kaiden from his daycare center, intending to take him to a scheduled doctor’s appointment.
Surveillance footage last captured Savannah leaving the daycare facility with Kaiden around 2 p.m., driving away in her white 2023 Lincoln Aviator. This vehicle was later discovered abandoned at Tom Slick Park, located off State Highway 151E, sparking further alarm about their whereabouts.
In response to growing concerns for their welfare, family members requested a check from the BCSO at Savannah’s home on Monday night. Sheriff Javier Salazar detailed that upon gaining access to the residence, deputies encountered unspecified items that heightened fears for both Kaiden’s and Savannah’s safety. Salazar refrained from disclosing the nature of these items but indicated they were significant enough to warrant serious concern.
On Tuesday morning, investigators discovered two bodies in a ditch close to Tom Slick Park, situated near Highway 151 and Loop 410, identified by Salazar as likely being Savannah Kriger and her son.
Salazar disclosed that a firearm and signs of shooting were found near the scene, naming Savannah Kriger as the primary suspect under investigation. “At this point, she is who we are considering the suspect,” Salazar stated, emphasizing the ongoing thorough examination of the scene.
The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office had yet to officially confirm the identities of the deceased by Wednesday afternoon, withholding details on the cause or manner of death.
Salazar suggested the motive might be linked to a custody dispute over the young child, a situation that had alarmed relatives and led to their missing persons report.
A makeshift memorial with balloons and flowers has emerged near the site where the bodies were discovered, signaling the community’s mourning. Among the visitors was a woman, who didn’t know the Krigers, who left a bunny-shaped bottle of bubbles at the memorial, visibly moved by the tragedy.
In the family’s neighborhood, the impact of the incident was profound, with residents like Amanda Stoneberger expressing deep distress. “Having children myself, this makes you sick to your stomach,” she shared, reflecting on the potential mindset of the mother and the unnecessary loss of life.
Stoneberger’s comments echoed a broader sentiment of heartache in the community, emphasizing the importance of seeking help during difficult times and the collective grief felt after the incident.
The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation, aiming to provide answers and closure to a case that has deeply affected many.
