Debra Seward's daughter Grace was shot and killed in San Antonio on July 15, 2018. Grace was 24 years old. Eight years later, police still have not arrested anyone. Debra Seward wants justice for her daughter. But she also has a message for the two people who killed her.

"I forgive you," Debra Seward said. "I forgive them because God forgave me."

Grace Seward's case is still open. Cold cases like this leave families waiting years for answers. Many families across South Texas know this same pain. Grace's mother is speaking out to push police for new leads. She is also turning her pain into help for other families.

Police say Grace and a friend were at a night club on July 15, 2018. They got into an argument with two other people. Grace and her friend left the club. Police believe the two people followed them to a home in the 100 block of Gorman Street on San Antonio's East Side.

Two people got out of a car and shot at Grace and her friend. Grace's friend was hurt but lived. Grace died at the scene.

Debra Seward said the pain never goes away.

"It is heavy to know this is where my child took her last breath," she said. "It is hard to relive this, but I have to continue to talk about what happened especially as we continue to seek justice."

She said there is no word for a mother who loses a child.

"I have a friend who lost her child tell me something I think about today," Debra Seward said. "When a child that loses a parent, they are called an orphan. If you lose a spouse you are a widow or widower. What are you called when you lose your child? There are no words."

Debra Seward still finds ways to smile when she thinks of Grace.

"She was such a goofball," she said. "When I see butterflies, it makes me think about her because, when she passed, I was surrounded by butterflies and I thought, 'She is still with us.'"

Grace was a strong student-athlete. Her mother started the Grace Seward Foundation in her memory. The foundation gives scholarships to student-athletes and other students headed to college.

"This foundation has a mission of raising awareness about the dangers of gun violence," Debra Seward said. "You don't have to solve altercations with violence."

Debra Seward is a minister. She also works as the community engagement coordinator for the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum. She said losing Grace changed her life forever.

"I loved Grace," she said. "To be able to put my arms around her again, I would give anything to do that."

For years, Grace Seward's case sat cold. Debra Seward said she had not heard from San Antonio police since 2023. That is when she learned the detective on her daughter's case had retired.

After KSAT aired a story asking the public for tips, San Antonio police finally called Debra Seward back. A new detective is now on the case. That detective said sorry for the years without updates. Police also plan new forensic testing. They promised to stay in touch more often.

Debra Seward said she is thankful for the call, even if there are still no arrests. She called it a step forward.

Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to an arrest in Grace Seward's case. Anyone with information can call 210-224-7867.

Grace Seward's case shows why cold cases need the public's help. A tip from someone who knows something can bring a family answers after years of silence. For Debra Seward, the wait for justice continues. Her faith, and her daughter's memory, keep her going.

"My faith tells me she is resting with God and one day we will see each other again," Debra Seward said. "If I could say something to the people who did this, I would tell them, 'I forgive you.' I forgive them because God forgave me."