The remains of a convicted rapist and suspected serial murderer, who was buried with military honours, are to be exhumed from a United States national veterans' cemetery following the passage of new legislation.
Campaign by Victim's Son Leads to Legal Change
The body of Fernando Cota, a Texas war veteran, is set to be removed from the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio. Cota took his own life in 1984 and was interred at the site despite a criminal history that included a 1975 rape conviction. He was also the prime suspect in the murders of six women in San Jose, California, with crucial evidence linking him to these crimes discovered only after his death.
The push for exhumation was spearheaded by the son of one of Cota's alleged victims. This campaign culminated in a new bill introduced by US Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz. The legislation was signed into law last month as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026. This act directs the US Secretary of Veterans Affairs to disinter Cota's remains.
'A Slap in the Face to Heroes'
In a strongly worded statement, Senator John Cornyn justified the move, emphasising the sanctity of the burial ground. "Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery is a sacred resting place for more than 170,000 respected veterans and their loved ones," he said. "It would be a slap in the face to each one of them to allow Fernando Cota, a convicted rapist and alleged serial murderer, to remain buried amongst such heroes."
Following Cota's death, police executed a search warrant at his home. Investigators made a grim discovery: a small closet he had used to torture his victims. This find further solidified the case against him for the unsolved murders.
Exhumation Process Awaits
While the legal mandate is now in place, an official date for the exhumation has not yet been scheduled. The case highlights ongoing debates about the posthumous recognition of individuals with severe criminal records, even if they served their country. The removal of Cota's body will formally sever his connection to a site dedicated to honouring military service.
