Tragedy at Phil Hardberger Park: Texas Father Kills 1-Year-Old Son Before Taking Own Life in Apparent Murder-Suicide

In a tragic incident at Phil Hardberger Park in San Antonio, a 34-year-old father and his 1-year-old son were found dead in an apparent murder-suicide. The San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) reported that officers responded to a call around 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, discovering the bodies inside a vehicle near the park’s dog area.

According to SAPD spokesman Ricardo Guzman, the father had contacted a family member, threatening to harm himself and his child if they did not arrive at the park in time. Upon arrival, the family member found both the father and son deceased and alerted authorities.

Both individuals sustained stab wounds. The father had an apparent stab wound to the torso, and the child also had stab injuries. The exact causes of death are pending determination by the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office.

SAPD homicide detectives are actively investigating the case to establish a motive and gather further details. The incident underscores the critical importance of mental health awareness and the availability of support resources for individuals in crisis.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues or thoughts of suicide, help is available. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 988, providing free and confidential support 24/7. Additionally, local resources such as the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offer assistance to those in need.

This heartbreaking event serves as a somber reminder of the profound challenges faced by individuals dealing with mental health crises and the devastating impact such incidents have on families and communities.