Tuesday afternoon in Donna, Texas, turned into a nightmare of domestic violence: a tragic murder-suicide played out outside a daycare where a young woman worked. Those five small children inside escaped physical harm—but the heartbreak of what unfolded just steps away still lingers.
At around 3 p.m., 41-year-old Saul Esquivel forced his way into Neni’s Childcare #2 on Stites Road while Nubia Bravo, age 26, was on the premises. Five children were inside when Esquivel, her estranged husband, confronted her.
Witnesses and investigators say Bravo managed to draw Esquivel away from the children and fled through a back exit. Outside, he chased her down and shot her dead. In a final, devastating act, he then lay beside her and took his own life.
Authorities emphasize that none of the children were physically harmed. They may have heard the gunshots, but they did not see the violence itself. Soon after, relatives arrived and took the children home.
According to Hidalgo County Sheriff Eddie Guerra, the couple had separated after Esquivel was discovered to have been having an affair. He described the incident as a “heartbreaking act of domestic violence” and urged anyone in unsafe relationships to seek help before tragedy strikes.
Investigators continue to probe the events and timing. Meanwhile, the community is left mourning the loss of a young mother whose life was stolen in the shadow of a place meant to nurture and protect children.
In the aftermath, law enforcement reminds the public: domestic abuse is dangerous. There are hotlines, shelters, and people ready to help those in crisis. But only if they step forward before it’s too late.
