Three Women Charged in Fatal Del Rio Stabbing That Shocked Texas Community

DEL RIO, Texas — A broad-daylight stabbing that claimed the life of a 32-year-old mother of five has drawn national attention after three young women were arrested and charged with murder. Authorities allege the attack was captured on surveillance video and occurred on a busy Del Rio street, raising questions about what led to the deadly confrontation.

Booking phots of suspects in the murder of Texas mom.

By James Lawson

Reporting from Huntsville, Texas, USA

June 26, 2026 Updated 8:49 a.m. ET

The suspects have been identified as Kitty Mia Diaz, 21, Amaya "Cookie" Diaz, 19, and Kyandra Renee Faz, 21. All three were arrested by the Del Rio Police Department and booked into the GEO Correctional Facility in Val Verde County on murder charges. Police have indicated that additional charges remain possible as the investigation continues.

The victim, identified by local media as Caroline "Caro" Peña, suffered multiple stab wounds during the June 25 attack. She was initially taken to Val Verde Regional Medical Center before being airlifted to a trauma hospital in San Antonio, where she later died from her injuries. Peña leaves behind five children.

According to investigators, officers were first called to the hospital after receiving reports that a woman had arrived with multiple stab wounds. Detectives quickly determined the assault had occurred at a residence in the 800 block of East 10th Street in Del Rio. Investigators interviewed witnesses, reviewed surveillance footage, and collected physical evidence that ultimately led to the arrests of the three suspects.

Court documents cited by several media outlets allege that surveillance video shows Peña arriving outside Kyandra Faz's residence before the confrontation began. According to the probable cause affidavit, Amaya "Cookie" Diaz allegedly approached Peña while armed with a knife and stabbed her. Investigators further allege that Kitty Diaz and Faz joined in the assault before the three women fled the scene. These allegations have not yet been tested in court, and all three defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Police have confirmed that the victim and the three accused women knew one another and that investigators do not believe the attack was random. However, authorities have not publicly disclosed the nature of their relationship or identified a motive for the confrontation. Del Rio Police Chief Frank Ramirez has said detectives continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to the fatal encounter.

The case gained widespread attention after videos and booking photographs circulated online showing the Diaz sisters smiling while being taken into custody. The images quickly spread across social media, prompting strong public reaction. While the photographs have fueled online debate, investigators have emphasized that the focus remains on the evidence collected during the homicide investigation rather than public reaction to the arrests.

Court records also allege investigators found evidence suggesting attempts were made to conceal or destroy evidence after the attack, including clothing that had reportedly been washed. Those allegations remain part of the ongoing investigation and will ultimately be evaluated through the court process.

Each of the three defendants is reportedly being held on $5 million bond. During their initial court appearances, the women requested court-appointed attorneys. Prosecutors have not announced when the case will proceed to trial, and no pleas have been entered publicly.

As investigators continue reviewing surveillance footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence, the death of Caroline Peña has left a Texas border community searching for answers while her family mourns the loss of a mother whose life ended in a violent confrontation that authorities say was anything but random.