SAN ANTONIO — A 34-year-old Edinburg woman was charged with capital murder and arson after the bodies of her two children were found inside a burning vehicle in west San Antonio. Marlene Vidal was booked into the Bexar County Jail with bonds totaling $2.1 million.

A passerby saw the vehicle on fire and called 911. After firefighters extinguished the blaze, they discovered two children inside, believed to be 5 and 7 years old. The Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office will determine the children's identities.

Police determined that Vidal was connected to the vehicle and took her in for questioning. Investigators obtained surveillance video and statements made by Vidal as evidence, and authorities said the evidence indicated she was solely responsible for the deaths of the two children. Authorities said mental health challenges may have played a role in the deaths.

Arson investigators are examining the cause of the fire, and the local office of Child Protective Services is also investigating the case. Preliminary information indicated there may have been a third body in the vehicle, but authorities later confirmed there were only two bodies.

Assistant Chief Jesse Salame addressed the case in public remarks following the arrest. "It's difficult for our entire community to have to deal with this," Salame said. "It's tragic on so many angles; it's hard for us to really put into words how this impacts all of our community."

Salame said the investigation would continue as the case moves toward prosecution. "Now the focus will shift on the extensive investigative work that is needed to ensure that we provide the strongest possible case to the district attorney's office," he said.