SAN ANTONIO – The holiday season means heartbreak for the Soto family.
“It’s been rough and so hard,” Rachel Soto, Savanah’s grandmother, said. “We want justice for them, for all three of them: Matthew, Savanah and baby Fabian.”
One year ago on Thursday, the bodies of pregnant Savanah Soto and her boyfriend, Matthew Guerra, were found. Both families continue to grieve but are fighting for justice.
The crime was committed just before last Christmas. Soto’s family first reported her missing nearly a year ago when she didn’t show up at the hospital to be induced.
However, on Dec. 26, 2023, Soto and Guerra’s bodies were found in a car at a Northwest Side apartment complex. Days earlier, police said the couple was shot and killed after a drug deal went bad.
“It’s been real hard for everybody,” Pedro Soto, Savanah’s father, said. “I’m torn apart right now.”
Pedro Soto said he’s found strength in his family over the last year. He built a tree memorial at Kenwood Park to honor Savanah and his other family members. He’s also gotten tattoos of Savanah.
“I had to get them,” Pedro Soto said. “That way, when I look at myself in the mirror in the morning, I see my daughter.”
As the new year comes, the Soto family is determined to continue its fight for justice.
“It’s gonna get real hard, and we’re gonna need to hold each other up,” Rachel Soto said. “This coming year, just know that the Soto family and the Guerra family will be together to get justice for all three of them.”
As for the three people arrested in the case, Christopher Preciado and his parents, Ramon Preciado and Myrta Romanos, are still awaiting a trial date.
Ramon Preciado and Romanos have since had bond reduction hearings; both were denied.
Christopher Preciado, who is accused of the shooting, has yet to appear in court. The Bexar County District Attorney’s Office has not decided if the death penalty will be applied against him.
The next court hearing for all three suspects is scheduled for Jan. 27.