SAN ANTONIO – What began as a welfare check on the Northwest Side has turned into a murder case, with investigators now detailing what they say happened inside a home where a woman was found shot to death.
An arrest affidavit outlines evidence police say points to 21-year-old Aaron Arocha.
Family members told investigators Arocha made statements after the shooting, including an alleged confession to one relative that he shot the victim multiple times, claiming a spiritual figure “Santa Muerte” made him do it.
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The investigation began on Monday when police were called several times to a home near Donaldson Avenue and Manor Drive for a welfare check. The homeowner, who was not at home, received a call from a relative saying there had been a shooting inside the home.
“The homeowner stated that her granddaughter was advised that somebody had been shot,” an officer said.
Inside, police found a woman in her 40s dead from multiple gunshot wounds in the kitchen. Police said evidence indicates the woman was actively trying to run away while holding a bag of food in her hand, which investigators said indicated she was not fighting back.
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Arocha was arrested on Tuesday on unrelated charges. The next day, police executed a search warrant on his vehicle and said they found a box of ammunition that matched what was found at the crime scene.
Investigators said Arocha denied knowing anything when he was arrested. He has been booked into the Bexar County Jail, and no bond has been set yet.
RELATED | Woman with multiple gunshot wounds found during welfare check, police investigating
The violence has left neighbors shaken.
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“We want our kids, we want our residents to feel safe, our neighbors who live in the neighborhood want to know, because they are alarmed,” Jason Vasquez said.