Family Seeks Justice for Mother Killed in San Antonio Hit-and-Run

A Devastating Loss on Her Birthday

The birthday balloons and flowers weren't for a celebration. Instead, they marked the spot where Mary Jane Acosta was hit just before 6 a.m. Feb. 18 while crossing Bandera Road near West Broadview Drive, close to the restaurant where she worked . On what would have been Acosta's 58th birthday, her family gathered at the crash site with flowers and balloons — not to celebrate, but to remember .

Police said the driver did not stop to render aid and fled the scene . The tragic incident has left a family shattered and a community searching for answers. "It hurts a lot. We are sad. We are grieving," her son Adam Rodriguez said .

The medical examiner's office has since identified the victim, though a cause and manner of death have not yet been determined . What remains clear is the profound impact of losing a woman her family describes as the heart of their world.

Search for the Driver Continues

Investigators believe the vehicle involved is a light-colored 2008 to 2011 Ford Focus . Authorities said the car is likely to have damage to the front right headlight and windshield and may be missing a windshield wiper . These specific details could be crucial in identifying the vehicle and bringing closure to a grieving family.

The location of the crash adds another layer of tragedy to the story. According to authorities, a woman was crossing the street from Bandera Express Mart, near the intersection of Bandera Road and East Broadview Drive . This was near where Acosta worked, making her morning commute a familiar routine that ended in unimaginable tragedy.

Crime Stoppers has joined the investigation, seeking tips from the public to identify the driver. The collaborative effort between law enforcement and the community represents hope for accountability in a case that has left too many questions unanswered.

A Mother Remembered

Acosta's children described her as a loving mother with a generous spirit who was always willing to help others . "She was loved and she loved a lot, so she was a good mother," her daughter Amber Acosta said . These words paint a picture of a woman whose impact extended far beyond her immediate family.

The timing of her death makes the loss even more poignant. She was simply trying to get to work, following a routine that countless working parents across the country know well. The intersection where she died serves as a reminder of how quickly ordinary moments can turn tragic when drivers fail to exercise caution and responsibility.

Her family has established a GoFundMe to help with burial costs, a practical necessity that underscores how sudden loss can create both emotional and financial burdens for those left behind.

The Broader Impact of Hit-and-Run Crashes

Acosta's death reflects a troubling pattern of hit-and-run incidents that leave families without closure and communities demanding better road safety measures. When drivers flee the scene, they compound tragedy with abandonment, leaving victims without immediate medical assistance that could potentially save lives.

The specific details released by investigators suggest they have substantial evidence to work with, from vehicle damage patterns to witness accounts. This case demonstrates how community cooperation with law enforcement can be essential in bringing justice to families who have lost everything.

As the investigation continues, Acosta's family faces the difficult process of grieving while seeking answers. Their public plea for help represents both their determination to find justice and their need for community support during an unimaginably difficult time. The resolution of this case could provide not only closure for one family, but also serve as a reminder to all drivers about the devastating consequences of leaving the scene of an accident.