According to the sheriff, the murder rate in Bexar County in 2024 already exceeds the total of the previous year

SAN ANTONIO – With four months to go until 2024, Bexar County’s murder rate has already exceeded that of the past two years, Sheriff Javier Salazar said.

During a press conference on Tuesday, Salazar said there were 15 murders in 2024, compared to 14 in all of 2023 and 2022. In 2021, there were 12 murders and in 2020 there were 17.

The most recent killing occurred over the weekend when a woman was charged with murdering her mother, Salazar said.

The stabbing occurred around 2:30 p.m. Saturday at a home in the 1200 block of Farnsworth Drive in western Bexar County.

Salazar said 21-year-old Rachel Zamarripa called 911 and said she had stabbed a family member.

When officers arrived at the home, they found 58-year-old Linda Zamarripa suffering from stab wounds. She was taken to a hospital where she died, officials said.

Rachel Zamarripa was arrested and charged with murder, Salazar said.

According to the sheriff, Rachel Zamarripa was one of her mother's sole breadwinners. Her family had very few financial resources and she was overwhelmed with caring for her mother, Salazar said.

“Nothing can excuse the terrible crime she committed. She is being held accountable for it,” Salazar said.

The fatal knife attack was the eighth murder this year related to domestic violence, Salazar said.

The sheriff said potential victims need to be aware of the danger.

“If you experience domestic violence, get yourself out of that situation,” Salazar said. “The situation will continue to escalate until someone ends up dead.”

You can watch Salazar’s press conference below: