SAN ANTONIO — It's been nearly three months since Katelyn "Kate" Vara went missing after leaving a medical clinic on the city's west side.
With no answers, Kate's family has been busy raising money so they can offer a reward, hoping someone will come forward with information about where she could be.
Kate's mother, Valerie Mendoza says the past few months has been hard on her emotionally but she has to be strong for Kate's 4-year-old son James. Mendoza says James keeps asking for his mother.
“I try to make everyday like a normal day so it doesn't affect him but I know he has to feel and see," said Mendoza.
She says her grandson has been able to read since he was 3-years-old and as they search for Kate and post fliers, he's aware she's missing.
“He tells me 'mom's missing' and I say 'yes baby, mom’s missing.' We're looking for her, so he doesn't maybe understand but he knows that mom’s not here," she said.
Kate was last seen leaving a west-side medical clinic on August 6.
“They've got footage showing that she did make it to her appointment. She went successfully, left and then after that no one knows what happened with her," said Mendoza.
Mendoza says after Kate went missing, other people were using Kate's phone which she says was not normal because Kate always had her phone. Mendoza also says stories they told her don't add up.
“Now he's telling me that he dropped her off somewhere on August 9 at 1:00 in the morning at some house by my mom's. He can't remember where and she left her phone in his car," said Mendoza.
San Antonio Police have been investigating Kate's disappearance and now Mendoza says homicide is involved.
“Now because of the seriousness and the people involved, people that know what happened and what's going on because there is definitely foul play involved, without a doubt. They know that," Mendoza said.
Kate's family has been raising money through a plate sale and raffle, so they can offer a reward. They are offering $3,000, hoping someone will come forward with information.
“So we can find Katelyn and bring her home regardless of the outcome, whether she is here or are no longer here with us. I want my daughter home," said Mendoza. "She didn't deserve this and I'm just hoping that the money will push somebody to do the right thing and come forward and say what happened to her.”
If you know anything about Kate's whereabouts, contact San Antonio Police Department's Missing Person Unit at 210-207-7660, or you can also contact Search & Support San Antonio.
sassa.tx.org@gmail.com
sarr.est.2019@gmail.com
(210) 372-7143