A devastating murder-suicide took place in San Antonio on March 19, claiming the lives of 3-year-old Kaiden Kriger and his mother, Savannah Kriger. The tragic events unfolded after a custody battle and a series of ominous messages sent by Savannah to her ex-husband.
According to Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar, Savannah’s actions began on March 18 at her ex-husband’s southeast-side neighborhood home, where she damaged personal belongings and furniture while he was at work. She then drove to her own home on Alamo Ranch, where she fired two shots into her wedding portraits.
Surveillance video shows Savannah picking up Kaiden from daycare at 2:30 p.m. Later, at 3:19 p.m., she sent a chilling text message to her ex-husband, reading, “Say goodbye to your son.” This was followed by a 21-second recording on her phone from Tom Slick Park, where Savannah and Kaiden were found dead.
In the recording, Savannah instructs Kaiden to say goodbye to his father. A handgun was discovered next to their bodies, and the shell casings matched those found at Savannah’s home. The investigation revealed a tragic sequence of events driven by Savannah’s despair and custody disputes.
Marta Prada Pelaez, CEO of Family Violence Prevention Services, emphasized that children are often the victims of violence. She urged the community to focus on supporting the family members left behind, who are grappling with the aftermath of this senseless tragedy.
The incident serves as a heart-wrenching reminder of the devastating consequences of custody battles and domestic violence. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to the family violence hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for support and resources.
The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office and local authorities are committed to investigating and addressing the underlying issues that led to this tragic event. The community is encouraged to come together in support of those affected and to seek help when needed.
In memory of Kaiden and Savannah Kriger, may their story raise awareness and prompt action to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
