‘He was a selfless child’ | Teenager ready to graduate and join Marines killed by driver who left scene, SAPD says
Police believe Jacob Lopez was riding his bicycle near the Whataburger where he worked. He attended South San Antonio High School.
SAN ANTONIO – A teenager was found dead in a ditch after San Antonio police suspected the 18-year-old was hit by a car. SAPD said the teenager was on his bicycle when he was shot and killed. Police also said the driver did not stop. The Bexar County coroner identified the teenager as Jacob Matthew Lopez.
Fabian Rocha said he saw Lopez as a son. He said the teen would graduate from South San Antonio High School next month and then serve in the Marines.
“He was a selfless guy,” she said. “We couldn’t wait to see the man he was becoming, especially with enlisting in the Marines.”
SAPD reports the 18-year-old was killed at Interstate 35 South and Kiowa Street. Police said the teenager was riding his bicycle on the southbound access road when he was hit by a car. Lopez was thrown into a storm drain.
“I think someone came up the hill too fast and didn’t have the lights on or was drunk,” Rocha said. “I don’t know why anyone would just leave the scene.”
Rocha said he was waiting for him that night he was shot and kept calling Lopez, not realizing what had happened. The teenager was not found until the next day.
“When the cops were there, we started asking them questions,” Rocha said. “They said he had a Whataburger uniform in his backpack and his tag that said Jacob.”
Lopez worked at a Whataburger near where he was killed. Rocha’s hope is that whoever did this will find it in their hearts to do the right thing.
“Let’s just hope they turn themselves in,” he said. “Forgive and remind him of the right light.”
San Antonio Police did not provide a description of the vehicle that hit Lopez, saying only that an investigation is ongoing.
