(Seguin) – Exactly two weeks after a tragic shooting outside the Seguin Walmart claimed the life of 35-year-old Katrina Wheeler, questions remain about what comes next for the two young children who witnessed their world change in an instant.
For now, those answers are being shared with the Seguin Daily News from inside their new home in Kyle, Texas where Katrina’s childhood best friend, Mayra Contreras, has opened her doors — and her heart — to almost 7-year-old Kehlani Wheeler and 5-year-old John Wheeler Jr.
Child Protective Services placed the children in Contreras’ care immediately following the May 28 shooting. Contreras is a longtime friend who graduated alongside Wheeler from Seguin High School in 2008.
Contreras says opening up her home has quickly become a life-changing responsibility.
“When they came to my house, I had just gotten home from surgery,” said Contreras. “CPS asked if I would be willing to do this long-term. I told them yes. Without a doubt, yes.”
According to Contreras, CPS officials shared that Wheeler had previously expressed a desire for her children to be placed with her should anything ever happen.
“The caseworker was crying when she told me,” said Contreras. “She said Katrina had made it known that if something happened to her, she wanted the kids to be with me. The least I can do is grant my best friend her wishes.”
The tragedy has left Contreras grieving the loss of a lifelong friend while simultaneously adjusting to becoming the primary caregiver for two additional children.
Before the children arrived, Contreras was already raising four children of her own, ranging in age from 9 to 17. She and her family had recently moved into a new home and were settling into a new chapter of life.
Despite the challenges, Contreras says her focus right now “remains squarely on the children.”
“The thing is, I didn’t expect this,” said Contreras. “But I will gladly take them in and be there for them because she would do the same for me. I know that without a doubt.”
However, the adjustment has come with immediate needs.
During the investigation, many of the children’s belongings, including electronics, were taken as evidence. Contreras says her own children have been sharing tablets and devices while she works to replace necessities.
She’s also trying to create bedrooms that feel like home.
“I just want to make them as comfortable as possible,” said Contreras. “I want to get Kehlani a bed, maybe a princess bed or something. They need clothes and shoes. Kehlani’s walking around in sandals that are too big.”
The children wear size 6-7 clothing. John wears approximately a size 12-1 shoe, while Kehlani wears a youth size 1.
Contreras says she is thankful for the support already shown by friends, coworkers, and educators. Teachers from Patlan Elementary and Ball Early Childhood Center are expected to visit the children this week bringing along books and other resources to help them through the transition.
She is also grateful for understanding employers and coworkers who have helped her balance work responsibilities alongside the sudden demands of caring for six children.
However, this isn’t the first time Contreras has stepped into a parenting role for children in need. She has previously helped raise a niece and nephew, providing the stability and guidance they needed to succeed – and all before she had her own children. In fact, today, one of those children is preparing to purchase his own home.
Those who know Contreras say her willingness to help others is simply who she is. Even the night before her friend’s death, Contreras shared with the Seguin Daily News, a text conversation that showed how Katrina was in need of a listening ear and how both were planning to get the kids together that night.
While Contreras is reluctant to ask for assistance herself, she acknowledges that support directed toward the children is what they deserve.
“These kids have been through enough,” said Contreras. “I just want to do the best I can for them.”
Wheeler was the mother of five children. While only Kehlani and John Jr. were in her custody at the time of her death, Contreras says her friend’s love for all of her children was never in question.
“She had a rough life and regretted some of the choices she made,” said Contreras. “But one thing she never stopped doing was loving her kids.”
As the family continues navigating grief, court proceedings, and CPS requirements, Contreras says she remains committed to providing the children with stability, comfort, and a sense of normalcy.
For now, she says that’s what matters most.
Community members wishing to assist Kehlani and John Jr. may do so through donations that will go directly toward the children’s clothing, household needs, educational resources, and other expenses as they adjust to their new living situation.
Katrina was fatally shot in the late afternoon while loading up items in the trunk of her vehicle in the Seguin Walmart parking lot. Charged with her death was her soon to be ex-husband and the biological father of the two children 42, year old John Wheeler. Katrina’s brother was also shot during the incident and is recovering. John, who fled the scene with the children, but later arrested remains in custody. He currently faces charges of both murder and aggravated assault.
Those wishing to donate directly to the children or provide Amazon gift cards for essential items, contact Contreras at 512-985-4154. Donations can also be made via Cash App @ $mcontreras777.