An AMBER Alert was issued Tuesday for 17-year-old Briana Alexis Guerra. She was arrested over the weekend on an assault charge then released Monday morning.
SAN ANTONIO — Loved ones of missing 17-year-old Briana Alexis Guerra are upset with law enforcement following being released from jail, even after informing authorities of her mental health challenges.
Meantime, the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office released a statement saying in part he agency is “legally prohibited from holding any individual including 17-year-olds, longer than their authorized detention period allows.”
An AMBER Alert was issued Tuesday for Briana, who is the sister of Matthew Guerra, who was murdered along with his pregnant girlfriend Savanah Soto in December 2023.
Briana’s parents Raquel and Gabriel Guerra say she’s suffered with her mental wellbeing ever since her brother’s death.
San Antonio police arrested Briana on Saturday following an alleged assault on a family member. Briana’s mother wouldn’t comment on the details of the incident. But Raquel claimed authorities declined to send out a mental health unit due to Briana’s age and took her to jail instead. Gabriel says he called Briana on Sunday to let her know he posted bond.
She was released from jail Monday morning and last seen around 8 a.m. along the 1100 block of W. Commerce Street wearing a blue shirt, jean shorts and blue Crocs. Officials describe Briana as being 5-foot-6 with brown hair, brown eyes and weighs about 130 pounds. She also has a marigold flower tattoo on her left arm with roman numerals honoring her late-brother Matthew.
“At that time I told her I wanted to wait that she wasn’t in the right state of mind and I was worried about her. They said since was 17 that she wouldn’t be released unless a parent came with an ID,” Gabriel said.
“They assured me from the moment this happened that my daughter would be in good hands and be in exact words very well taken care of but now look at where we are now, worst possible case scenario,” Raquel said. “Very disappointed, especially a minor suffering a mental health crisis and having all that documentation. Just letting her walk out on that side of town is very dangerous.”
The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office told KENS 5 that Texas law considers 17-year-olds adults for criminal jurisdiction purposes. Because of that classification, authorities say they are not required to have a parent or guardian present to release someone once all legal requirements are met.
“Once an individual has been legally cleared for release, the BCSO must process that release according to state law and facility protocol,” said BCSO in an emailed statement.
Briana’s parents say their main concern now is ensuring she is safe and able to receive the care she needs. There have been numerous unconfirmed sightings of Briana in the community.
This marks the second time Briana went missing.
Anyone with information about Briana Guerra’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office at 210-335-6000.