Texas Sisters and Friend Charged in Fatal Daytime Stabbing

A brutal act of violence in broad daylight has led to murder charges against two sisters and a friend in Del Rio, Texas. The trio is accused of stabbing 32-year-old Caroline “Caro” Peña multiple times, an attack that ultimately proved fatal. Kitty Mia Diaz, 21; Amaya Cookie Diaz, 19; and Kyandra Renee Faz, 21, were arrested Thursday in connection with the incident, according to the Del Rio Police Department.

The victim, Caroline Peña, was a mother of five. Her childhood friend, Zelina Ochoa, spoke through tears about Peña’s devotion to her children. “She was one of those people that she was born to be a mom,” Ochoa told KENS 5, emphasizing Peña’s profound love for motherhood.

Attack in Plain Sight

The stabbing occurred around 2:10 p.m. on Thursday near a busy intersection in Del Rio, a city of approximately 35,000 residents situated in southwest Texas, close to the Mexican border. Police received a report that a woman had been admitted to Val Verde Regional Medical Center with numerous stab wounds sustained during an assault. Authorities noted the brazen nature of the attack, with one friend, Christina Salinas, recounting how it took place “at the corner near Sonic on one of our busiest roads in broad daylight.”

Due to the critical nature of her injuries, Peña was airlifted to a medical facility in San Antonio for specialized emergency treatment. Tragically, investigators were informed around 9 p.m. that she had succumbed to her wounds. Reports indicate she was stabbed twice in the back and once in the abdomen.

Investigation and Arrests

Del Rio police moved swiftly to identify suspects. Detectives meticulously reviewed surveillance footage from the area, collected physical evidence from the scene, and conducted interviews with witnesses. This thorough investigative process led them to identify Kitty Diaz, Cookie Diaz, and Kyandra Faz as the individuals responsible.

The arrests were made later that same afternoon. Kitty Diaz and Cookie Diaz were taken into custody without incident around 4 p.m. Thursday. Faz was apprehended shortly thereafter. All three were initially booked at the Del Rio Police Department before being transferred to the GEO Correctional Facility, where they are currently being held pending upcoming court proceedings.

Friends Mourn and Reflect

The news of Peña’s death has sent shockwaves through her community. Christina Salinas shared a harrowing account of how she missed a call from Peña shortly before the attack. Later, she saw a photo of Peña, grievously wounded, circulating on a community social media page. “I feel like if I would have answered that call, honestly I would have been there with her,” Salinas expressed, lamenting the potential to have intervened. “It wouldn’t have gotten like that.” Salinas also recounted rushing to the hospital and managing to speak with Peña before she was transported to San Antonio, describing her friend as “a fighter” who “was still standing her ground.”

Zelina Ochoa further elaborated on Peña’s generous spirit. “If you needed something and she had it, even if it was her last, she’d give it to you,” Ochoa said, painting a picture of a selfless individual deeply loved by those around her.

Ongoing Investigation

As of now, law enforcement officials have not publicly disclosed a motive for the fatal stabbing. The investigation remains active, and police have indicated that further charges could be filed as the inquiry progresses and more evidence is gathered. Peña is survived by her five children, including a 17-year-old son, and a twin sister.