Five kids lost their mother after a broad daylight attack on a busy Texas street
Three young women face murder charges after Caroline Peña, 32, was stabbed to death near a local fast-food spot.
It is hard to feel safe when a mother is taken in the middle of the day. A simple trip down a busy road should never end in a fight for your life.
What Happened
Caroline Peña, 32, was a mother of 5. On Thursday, she was stabbed many times near a Sonic restaurant in Del Rio, Texas. The town has 35,000 people and sits on the border.
The attack happened around 1:35 p.m. Caroline was taken to a local hospital first. Doctors then flew her to San Antonio for emergency surgery. She died that night at 9:00 p.m.
Police quickly arrested three suspects. Kitty Mia Diaz, 21, and her sister Amaya Cookie Diaz, 19, were arrested at 4:00 p.m.
Their friend, Kyandra Renee Faz, 21, was arrested shortly after. One of the sisters smiled at cameras during her arrest.
What the evidence shows
- 1 victim: Caroline Peña, a 32-year-old mother of 5 children.
- 3 suspects: Kitty Mia Diaz, 21, Amaya Cookie Diaz, 19, and Kyandra Renee Faz, 21, all charged with murder.
- 1 busy street: The attack happened in broad daylight near a Sonic drive-in.
- 1 missed phone call: A close friend missed a call from Caroline at 1:35 p.m., right before the attack.
- 2 hospitals: Val Verde Regional Medical Center, then a San Antonio hospital where Caroline died at 9:00 p.m.
The Bigger Question
How does an argument on a busy public road turn into a deadly attack? Del Rio is a small city where people usually feel safe. This did not happen in a dark alley, but in plain sight of everyone.
We must ask what drives young people to commit such acts in the open. It makes us wonder about the hidden anger in our towns.
The Other Side
The three suspects are in jail waiting to see a judge. Their lawyers have not yet released public statements. No motive has been given by the police.
At this point, we do not know what the defense will say in court. Since no court filings are public yet, we cannot judge the strength of their case.
What Happens Now
Five young children must now grow up without their mother. Caroline was known for helping other young parents with clothes and schoolwork. The town is now stepping up to support her family.
Local police will keep looking for a motive. The three suspects will stay in jail until they go before a judge.
What We Still Don't Know
- Why did these three young women attack a mother of five?
- Did the suspects and the victim know each other before Thursday?
- What did Caroline try to say in her last phone call at 1:35 p.m.?
Source Note
Information for this story came from the Del Rio Police Department and reports by KENS 5. All charges are allegations - Kitty Mia Diaz, Amaya Cookie Diaz, and Kyandra Renee Faz are presumed innocent until proven guilty.