SAN ANTONIO — The search for justice continues for the family of Army veteran Joel Garcia, who was murdered 35 years ago, leaving unanswered questions and unresolved grief. Authorities are renewing their efforts to gather information about the case, hoping someone may hold the key to finding Garcia’s killer.
Garcia was fatally stabbed on June 29, 1990, during an altercation outside a bar on Kingsbury Street. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene, leaving behind a young daughter, Marianna Lerma, who was just two years old at the time of his death.
Reflecting on the loss, Lerma expressed her sorrow over not having any memories of her father. “It hurts that I didn’t get much time with him,” she said. She noted that her father never met her four children, a reality that adds to her family’s heartache.
Now, in her first public comments about the tragedy, Lerma holds onto hope that someone might eventually step forward with information. “From what I am hearing, some possible suspects or witnesses have passed away,” she said. “However, maybe someone heard something and relayed that information to someone else. Someone must have knowledge about what happened that night, even if it’s just a whisper.”
To bolster the investigation, the Seguin Police Department recently appealed to the community through social media, urging individuals who may possess information regarding the case to come forward. Detectives remain optimistic that there are still people who witnessed the events surrounding Garcia’s murder.
Lerma remains steadfast in her pursuit of justice, acknowledging the passage of time. “Even though it has been 35 years, there is still a chance,” she said. “I will never give up hope. Even if this case goes cold again, I will keep on fighting.”
As part of their continued efforts, authorities have announced a $5,000 reward for tips leading to an arrest. Community members with information are encouraged to contact the Seguin Police Department or to submit anonymous tips online through Guadalupe County Crime Stoppers.
The ongoing search for answers underscores the enduring impact of unsolved crimes on families and communities. For Lerma, the fight for justice serves as a testament to her father’s memory and a reminder that the pursuit of truth must continue, no matter how much time has passed.