Three young women in Del Rio, Texas, have been charged with murder after a 32-year-old mother of five died following a violent daylight stabbing, according to police and local reports.
The victim has been identified in local media as Caroline “Caro” Peña, a mother of five remembered by friends as loving, generous, and devoted to her children.
Authorities said the incident began Thursday afternoon when officers with the Del Rio Police Department responded to Val Verde Regional Medical Center after a woman arrived with multiple stab wounds. Police later determined that the assault had occurred in the 800 block of East 10th Street.
Because of the severity of her injuries, the woman was transferred to a medical facility in San Antonio for emergency treatment. Investigators were later notified around 9 p.m. that she had died.
Police identified three suspects during the investigation: 21-year-old Kitty Mia Diaz, 19-year-old Amaya “Cookie” Diaz, and 21-year-old Kyandra Renee Faz. All three women were arrested the same day and charged with murder after Peña’s death.
According to police, investigators reviewed surveillance footage, processed evidence, and interviewed multiple witnesses before making the arrests. Kitty Diaz and Amaya Diaz were reportedly arrested first, and Faz was taken into custody a short time later.
The case drew national attention after video circulated showing two of the suspects being taken into custody. The footage appeared to show the Diaz sisters smiling or acting casually as officers escorted them to police vehicles. The images sparked outrage online, especially because the victim was a young mother who leaves behind five children.
However, officials have not said that the suspects’ behavior on video explains the motive or circumstances of the crime. Police have not publicly released a motive, and the investigation remains active.
The killing reportedly happened near a busy area in Del Rio, a South Texas city close to the U.S.-Mexico border. Friends of Peña said the attack occurred in broad daylight and shocked the local community.
One childhood friend described Peña as someone who loved being a mother. Another friend said she had missed a call from Peña shortly before the stabbing and later rushed to the hospital after learning what had happened.
The emotional reaction from friends and family has been strong. Many described Peña as kind, giving, and protective. According to reports, she is survived by five children, including an older teenage son, and a twin sister.
The case has also raised questions about how such a violent attack could happen in public during the day. Police have said the investigation is ongoing, and additional charges could be filed as detectives continue reviewing evidence and determining the full circumstances.
At this stage, the three suspects have been charged, but they have not been convicted. Under U.S. law, each defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
That distinction is important because much of the public attention has focused on video footage, social media reaction, and emotional descriptions of the case. Prosecutors will still need to present evidence in court, and defense attorneys will have the opportunity to respond.
Still, the tragedy has already left a deep impact on Del Rio. A mother is dead, five children are without their parent, and three young women are facing serious murder charges that could carry severe prison sentences if they are convicted.
For residents, the case is disturbing not only because of the violence, but also because of the setting. A daylight attack near a busy street challenges the feeling of safety in a small community where many people know one another.
The case is likely to continue drawing attention as court hearings begin and police release more information. Key unanswered questions include what led up to the confrontation, whether the suspects and victim knew each other, what role each suspect allegedly played, and whether prosecutors will pursue additional charges.
For now, Del Rio police are asking the public to allow the investigation to continue while evidence is gathered.
Caroline Peña’s loved ones, meanwhile, are mourning a woman they say was deeply devoted to her children and willing to help others whenever she could.
Her death has become more than a crime story. It is a family tragedy, a community shock, and a reminder of how quickly violence can destroy lives.
