SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) is currently investigating around 2,000 cold cases, some going as far back as 1950. For many families, the feeling that their loved ones’ cases have been forgotten can be heartbreaking.
Debra Seward recalls the tragic loss of her daughter, Grace, who was shot eight years ago. The incident occurred when Grace and a friend were followed home and attacked in their driveway. Debra expressed her frustration, stating, “I haven’t heard from an officer since 2023. I don’t know where the case stands.” Her plea for communication reflects the emotional toll of unresolved cases on families.
Similarly, Eashonne Wolford is still grappling with the aftermath of a horrific event five years ago, where a drive-by shooting killed her daughter, Shanobea, and two sons, Charles and Eugene, during a family gathering for Thanksgiving. Eashonne articulated her pain and confusion, asking, “Why is it taking them so long to figure out your case?” She emphasized the need for more proactive communication from law enforcement, expressing her determination to seek justice for her lost family members.
After hearing these families’ stories, I sought to engage with someone from the SAPD to address their concerns directly. I reached out via email, explaining the importance of transparency in handling cold cases. Unfortunately, my request for an interview was declined, which led me to express my disappointment and reiterate the necessity of offering families hope and updates, even if the news is not promising.
Fortunately, a spokesperson later provided an official statement from the SAPD. They acknowledged the pain families face when a murder remains unsolved and emphasized that homicide detectives are committed to pursuing every possible lead, regardless of how much time has passed. Importantly, there is no statute of limitations for murder, meaning the pursuit of justice is ongoing.
The spokesperson noted that even when detectives retire or move on, cases are reassigned to ensure they continue to receive attention. Cold case detectives actively look for new leads, utilizing modern investigative techniques, such as advanced DNA analysis of older evidence. They also strive to locate witnesses, even years later, which can be a challenging process as time takes its toll.
Despite the daunting nature of these investigations, the SAPD reassured families that they are always welcome to reach out for updates. However, they cautioned that some cases may take years to resolve and there may be periods without new developments.
For families and the community, providing any information about unsolved murders is crucial. The SAPD encourages anyone with information, no matter how minor it may seem, to contact them at 210-207-7635. Every detail could potentially lead to a breakthrough.
As of now, there have been no new developments in either Debra Seward’s or Eashonne Wolford’s cases. Both families are still seeking justice, and Crime Stoppers rewards are available for any information that could lead to an arrest. If you have any details, you can call 210-224-STOP anonymously.
If you or someone you know has lost a family member to violence and is looking for answers, consider sharing your story. You can reach out via email at jgray@ksat.com.
