Prominent Attorney and Wife Found Dead in Shavano Park Murder-Suicide

A tragic event unfolded in Shavano Park, Texas, as police discovered prominent attorney Jerry Hernandez, 61, and his wife Sonia Hernandez, 52, dead in what authorities have ruled a murder-suicide. The couple was found early Wednesday morning inside their $1.6 million mansion, located approximately 13 miles from downtown San Antonio. Authorities believe Sonia fatally shot Jerry before turning the gun on herself.

Shavano Park police responded to the scene just before 8 a.m. after reports of gunshots. Upon arrival, they found the couple deceased. The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed Jerry’s death as a homicide and Sonia’s as a suicide. Officials have not disclosed the events leading up to the incident, but they confirmed that no other individuals were involved or are being sought in connection with the case.

Jerry Hernandez was a well-known figure in the San Antonio legal community, recognized for his work as a personal injury attorney at his firm, JVH Law. With over 32 years of experience, Jerry built a respected reputation in the field, earning accolades such as being named one of the top personal injury lawyers by S.A. Scene Magazine in 2017. His career path took him from the University of Texas at Austin to California Western School of Law, where he graduated in 1988.

Beyond his legal career, Jerry was known for his love of sports, particularly his support for the San Antonio Spurs. He was also active in youth sports, once coaching an AAU girls’ basketball team to a championship. Jerry’s involvement in mentoring young athletes reflected his commitment to giving back to the community.

Sonia Hernandez owned a beauty boutique, but less is publicly known about her professional life. The couple’s seemingly successful life, however, masks the underlying issues that led to this tragedy. The couple leaves behind a daughter who had recently graduated from law school, compounding the grief for the family during what should have been a celebratory time.

The tragic deaths have left both the Shavano Park community and the local legal community in shock. Friends, neighbors, and colleagues mourn the loss of a respected attorney and a woman whose life ended in such devastating circumstances. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on understanding the events leading up to the tragedy and offering support to those affected.

This incident also underscores the importance of mental health resources. For those struggling or in crisis, organizations like the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the Crisis Text Line are available to provide support.