A shocking homicide case in South Texas has drawn national attention after newly released footage appeared to show two sisters smiling and laughing while being taken into custody for the fatal stabbing of a mother of five.
Authorities in Del Rio, Texas, have charged sisters Amaya “Cookie” Diaz, 19, and Kitty Mia Diaz, 21, along with 21-year-old Kyandra Renee Faz, with the murder of 32-year-old Caroline “Caro” Peña. Investigators say the attack happened in broad daylight, though the motive remains unknown.
Mother of Five Fatally Attacked Near Busy Shopping Area
According to the Del Rio Police Department, officers were called on the afternoon of June 25 after reports of a seriously injured woman near a Sonic Drive-In on one of the city’s busiest roads.
Police say Caroline Peña suffered multiple stab wounds during the confrontation. She was initially taken to Val Verde Regional Medical Center before being airlifted to a hospital in San Antonio for emergency treatment.
Despite doctors’ efforts, Peña died later that evening from her injuries. She was 32 years old and leaves behind five children.
Three Women Arrested Within Hours
Investigators quickly identified three suspects following the incident.
Police arrested sisters Kitty Mia Diaz and Amaya “Cookie” Diaz at their home later that afternoon 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 while awaiting court proceedings. Authorities have not announced a possible motive or indicated what may have led to the deadly confrontation.
Arrest Video Sparks Public Outrage
The case gained even more attention after video captured during the arrests surfaced online.
The footage appears to show Kitty Diaz briefly smiling as officers escorted her toward a patrol vehicle. Moments later, Amaya Diaz can allegedly be seen grinning, laughing, and telling the person filming to stop recording before sticking her tongue out from inside the police vehicle.
The video quickly spread across social media, prompting widespread criticism from viewers who questioned the suspects’ apparent demeanor following the fatal incident.
Friends Remember Victim as Generous and Devoted Mother
As investigators continue searching for answers, family members and friends are remembering Caroline Peña for the life she lived rather than the way it ended.
Childhood friend Zelina Ochoa described Peña as someone who was always willing to help others, saying she would give away her last possession if someone needed it.
Another close friend, Christina Salinas, revealed she had spent time with Peña the night before the attack. Salinas said she missed a phone call from Peña just minutes before the deadly confrontation and now struggles with the thought that answering it might have changed the day’s outcome.
Friends also recalled that even after suffering severe injuries, Peña continued fighting until help arrived.
Investigation Remains Active
Police have not released additional details about what led to the fatal attack, and investigators continue working to establish exactly what occurred before the confrontation.
Authorities have also not indicated whether the victim and the three suspects knew one another prior to the incident.
As the homicide investigation moves forward, Caroline Peña’s family continues mourning the loss of a mother whose life was cut short in a violent attack that unfolded in broad daylight on a busy Texas street.
