A Texas homicide case has sparked widespread outrage after newly released arrest footage appeared to show two sisters smiling while being taken into custody following the fatal attack of a mother of five.
Authorities say 32-year-old Caroline Peña died after a violent confrontation in Del Rio, Texas, that led to murder charges against sisters Amaya “Cookie” Diaz, 19, Kitty Mia Diaz, 21, and 21-year-old Kyandra Renee Faz. As investigators continue piecing together what happened, Peña’s family is mourning the loss of a woman they describe as a devoted mother whose children are now growing up without her.
Mother of Five Fatally Injured in Broad Daylight
According to the Del Rio Police Department, officers responded on June 25 after receiving reports of a violent incident near a Sonic Drive-In along Veterans Boulevard.
When officers arrived, they found Caroline Peña suffering from multiple serious injuries. She was taken to Val Verde Regional Medical Center before being airlifted to a hospital in San Antonio because of the severity of her condition.
Despite emergency treatment, Peña died later that evening.
Family members said the 32-year-old leaves behind five children, who are now coping with an unimaginable loss.
Three Women Charged with Murder
Investigators quickly identified three suspects following the incident.
Police arrested sisters Kitty Mia Diaz and Amaya “Cookie” Diaz later the same day at their residence without incident. A third suspect, Kyandra Renee Faz, was also taken into custody shortly afterward.
All three women have been charged with murder and remain in custody as the criminal case moves through the court system.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed what led to the confrontation, and investigators have not announced whether the victim and suspects knew each other before the incident.
Arrest Footage Draws National Attention
The case gained widespread attention after video recorded during the arrests began circulating online.
The footage appears to show Kitty Diaz smiling while being escorted by officers. Moments later, Amaya Diaz can allegedly be seen laughing, telling the person recording to stop filming, and sticking out her tongue from inside a patrol vehicle.
The video quickly spread across social media, with many expressing disbelief at the suspects’ apparent demeanor only hours after the deadly incident.
Although the footage has fueled intense public reaction, investigators have emphasized that the criminal case will ultimately be decided by evidence presented in court.
Friends Remember Caroline Peña
As the investigation continues, loved ones are remembering Caroline Peña for the person she was long before the tragedy.
Friends described her as compassionate, generous, and deeply committed to her children.
Childhood friend Zelina Ochoa told local media that Peña was someone who would help anyone in need, even if it meant giving away her last dollar.
Another close friend, Christina Salinas, revealed she had spoken with Peña shortly before the incident and missed one of her final phone calls. She said she continues to wonder whether answering that call could have changed the outcome.
Family members have also shared that Peña fought to survive after the attack before eventually succumbing to her injuries at the hospital.
Investigation Remains Active
Police have not released additional information regarding a possible motive, and detectives continue reviewing witness statements, surveillance footage, and other evidence.
Authorities have also not announced whether additional charges could be filed as the investigation progresses.
Meanwhile, Caroline Peña’s family continues preparing for life without the mother of five, while prosecutors begin building the murder case against the three women accused in her death.
As court proceedings move forward, investigators hope additional evidence will help explain what led to the deadly confrontation that unfolded in broad daylight and shocked the Del Rio community.
