SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Tragedy struck a Texas family as a mother and her 3-year-old son, who were the subject of an Amber Alert, were found dead in a ditch near a park in San Antonio. The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office reported that 32-year-old Savannah Kriger and her son, Kaiden Kriger, were reported missing the previous night. Authorities suspect it was a murder-suicide in the midst of a child custody dispute.
According to Sheriff Javier Salazar, authorities were called on Monday evening to perform a welfare check on the Kriger family. After initial difficulties gaining access to the residence, deputies were allowed inside by a family member. The initial investigation revealed disturbing evidence, prompting concern for the safety of the child.
Deputies later located Savannah Kriger’s vehicle, a white 2023 Lincoln Aviator, near Tom Slick Community Park. However, the mother and child were not found there. In response, an Amber Alert was issued for Kaiden, who was believed to be in imminent danger and potentially abducted.
Tragically, the bodies of Savannah and Kaiden were discovered later that morning, near the back of the park. Sheriff Salazar confirmed that a gun was found in close proximity to the bodies.
Speaking at a press conference, Sheriff Salazar revealed that there had been an ongoing custody battle for the child. Concerns were raised by family members when they were unable to make contact with Savannah. Her location services had been turned off, exacerbating the worries.
The last known interactions with the mother and child were with daycare workers, who reported that Savannah Kriger left work early on Monday to pick up her son, claiming he had a doctor’s appointment. A hearing regarding the custody dispute was scheduled for Tuesday, but did not take place due to the tragic incident.
The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the case, with family members cooperating. The Kriger residence remains under scrutiny, though the park is currently considered the crime scene.
Details surrounding the divorce and the temporary restraining orders filed by Savannah Kriger against her son’s father have emerged from court records. The father is now assisting investigators with the inquiry.
The identities of the deceased have been confirmed by the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office, but the exact cause and manner of death have not been released.