SAN ANTONIO, Texas – The tragic death of pregnant teen Savanah Nicole Soto in a San Antonio parking lot has brought attention to a history of gang-related violence involving her and her family, according to a former FBI agent who spoke about the case. Soto, 18, and her boyfriend, Matthew Guerra, 22, were found shot in the head on Tuesday. Soto was nine months pregnant at the time of her death, and her unborn baby also perished.
The slayings are said to be linked to an incident in May 2022 when Soto’s 15-year-old brother, Ethan, was killed in alleged retaliation for a drug robbery. Victor Nathaneal Rivas, 18, was identified as the alleged killer, and it was revealed that he had approached a girl on Instagram to set up Ethan for the attack. Rivas also reportedly made several attempts to harm Ethan.
The situation escalated further in October during Rivas’ preliminary hearing in a San Antonio courtroom, when members of the Soto family attacked him, prompting court personnel to intervene. The ongoing violence and retaliation have since captured the attention and concern of the community.
It was also disclosed that Guerra was still on probation for assaulting Soto the previous Christmas. This information has only added to the complexity and tragedy of the situation. The police chief has described the killings as “perplexing,” and it appears that there are still unanswered questions surrounding the case.