On September 18, 2023, 19-year-old Fernando Flores received a sentence of 10 years of deferred adjudication in connection with the tragic death of Simon, a case that has deeply affected the community. This decision marks the latest development in a case that has seen many twists since Simon was killed near Brewer Academy on April 16, 2025.
Flores was one of five individuals charged in relation to Simon’s death. Surveillance footage revealed a group of people following Simon as he left school, raising serious concerns about safety in school environments.
Deferred adjudication means that Flores will be under community supervision without a formal conviction on his record. If he successfully completes the supervision and abides by its terms for the full 10 years, the case could ultimately be dismissed. This outcome has left Simon’s mother, Alejandra Cuevas, feeling disappointed and frustrated.
The five suspects involved in this case have faced varied legal outcomes. Andrew Cantu was sentenced to 10 years in prison in April after being convicted of injury to a child, initially facing capital murder charges. One suspect tragically took their own life, while two juvenile siblings were sentenced to the Texas Juvenile Justice Department, with their sentences being indeterminate and based on their progress and behavior.
Cuevas has spent the past year and a half grappling with the loss of her son and seeking answers about why this tragedy occurred. She expressed her frustrations at the legal system, stating, “I’ve been doing my own investigation trying to figure out. It is upsetting. I had already been in front of other prosecutors who had given me bad news before.”
The pain of losing Simon is more than just a legal battle for Cuevas; it’s an everyday reality. She emphasized the emotional toll this has taken on her life, saying, “It’s just heartbreaking. Every day is a reminder that my son’s no longer here.”
She reminisces about Simon fondly, recalling his infectious smile and the special moments they shared. “His smile is what I miss. When he did smile, he had like just the brightest, beautiful smile,” Cuevas shared. “If I had five more minutes with my son, I would just grab him, hold him and pick him up.”
This November 5, Simon would have celebrated his 16th birthday. Cuevas plans to honor his memory by celebrating with friends and family, keeping his spirit alive in her heart. Yet, she is determined to continue advocating for justice and ensuring that the community takes steps to protect children from violence.
The fight for justice for Simon is ongoing, and Cuevas remains committed to seeking accountability for her son’s death and pushing for safer environments for all children in the community.
