Three women, including two sisters identified as Amaya 'Cookie' Diaz, 19, and Kitty Mia Diaz, 21, have been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the daylight stabbing of Caroline Pena, 32, in Del Rio, Texas. Their friend, Kyandra Renee Faz, 21, is also facing a murder charge. All three suspects are being held on $5 million bond.
Authorities reported that after the alleged attack on Thursday, the Diaz sisters showered and changed their clothing before their apprehension. Police noted in a criminal complaint that the sisters were no longer wearing the attire seen in video footage of the incident and that their hair was wet. Surveillance footage from Faz's residence captured the confrontation and stabbing.
According to the complaint, Pena arrived at Faz's home in a black Dodge pickup truck. Shortly after, a black Chrysler 300 arrived, from which Amaya Diaz and Kitty Diaz exited. Amaya Diaz approached Pena, and an altercation ensued. The complaint states that Amaya Diaz was observed with an object believed to be a knife in her hand and struck Pena in the back, causing visible bleeding.
Kitty Diaz and Faz allegedly joined in the assault. After the incident, all four women separated and left the scene. Images of the suspects taken after the attack, showing them in different clothing, were reportedly posted on a local Facebook page before being removed.
A friend of Pena's described the victim as someone who would help others despite having five children. Pena was transported to a local hospital and later transferred to a hospital in San Antonio due to the severity of her injuries, where she died. Her children range in age from three to 16, and two are autistic. Relatives are now caring for the children.
The motive for the attack remains unclear, but Pena's uncle stated that the women all knew each other, emphasizing the close-knit nature of their community. Pena was reportedly attacked with no weapon in her hands, according to the victim's friend, who viewed an image showing Pena's blood-covered shirt.