SAN ANTONIO – A 34-year-old Edinburg woman has been charged with capital murder after two children, ages 5 and 7, were found dead inside a burned vehicle Friday morning.
The vehicle was discovered between 5 and 6 a.m. in the 500 block of Richland Hills after a person walking their dog spotted the vehicle on fire. According to investigators, the passerby saw a woman at the scene who said she had already called authorities, but the witness called 911 as well.
Firefighters and police responded to extinguish the blaze and later discovered two bodies inside the vehicle.
Police identified the suspect as 34-year-old Marlene Vidal of Edinburg, Texas. Authorities said she is the children’s mother and believe she acted alone. She was taken downtown for questioning before being charged with capital murder.
Investigators said there is a possibility that mental health issues may have played a role in the incident.
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In Texas, a capital murder conviction can carry either the death penalty or a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.