Teen accused of capital murder to be tried as adult

SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) — A teenager accused of capital murder will stand trial as an adult.

Daryl Barrera just turned 16, but he was 15 when Kaitlin Hernandez, 17, was found dead on the Northeast Side in March. A judge made the decision to try Barrera as an adult during a certification and transfer hearing Monday.

Hernandez was found dead in a drainage ditch in the 7600 block of Oak Dell Drive. Authorities say the Roosevelt High School senior had gone for a walk with Barrera, but she did not come home with him.

The suspect was later arrested after investigators say DNA and other evidence was linked to the case.

KSAT-12 reports a psychologist testified that Barrera had an addiction to pornography and also killed 20 racoons and multiple dogs with a hunting knife. There was additional testimony stating the suspect had been abused by his father and that his mother was in and out of prison.

A relative adopted Barrera and his brother, and an effort to have the suspect admitted to a mental health clinic was unsuccessful as it was believed he was a danger to himself and others. Testimony also said Barrera and attempted suicide on numerous occasions.