Authorities say the victim was attacked in broad daylight near a busy Del Rio roadway, and investigators have not yet announced a motive.
DEL RIO, Texas — Two sisters and a third woman have been charged with murder after authorities say a 32-year-old mother of five was stabbed multiple times during a daytime attack in Del Rio. The victim, Caroline “Caro” Peña, later died after being airlifted to a San Antonio hospital for emergency treatment.
Police identified the defendants as Kitty Mia Diaz, 21, Amaya “Cookie” Diaz, 19, and Kyandra Renee Faz, 21. Investigators say the three were arrested within hours of the attack and booked on murder charges. Officials have not publicly explained what led to the confrontation, leaving family members and the community awaiting answers as the criminal investigation continues.
According to investigators, officers responded after Peña arrived at Val Verde Regional Medical Center with multiple stab wounds sustained during an assault that occurred shortly after 2 p.m. on June 25. Authorities traced the incident to an area near a Sonic Drive-In along one of Del Rio’s busiest roads. Surveillance footage reviewed during the investigation reportedly captured portions of the confrontation before the stabbing. Peña was flown to a San Antonio hospital because of the severity of her injuries but died later that evening despite emergency treatment. Police arrested the three suspects later the same afternoon without major incident. Video recorded during the arrests has circulated widely online, showing the two sisters smiling and speaking toward a person recording as officers escorted them into patrol vehicles.
Police have released few additional details about what investigators believe prompted the violence. Court records available after the arrests list each of the three women as facing murder charges, while authorities have indicated the investigation remains active and additional information could be released later. Medical officials determined Peña suffered multiple stab wounds, including injuries that punctured a lung. Friends described her as a devoted mother raising five children and said her death has devastated relatives and longtime acquaintances. Authorities have not alleged whether one suspect played a greater role than another, and investigators have not announced whether additional evidence or witness interviews could lead to further charges.
The killing shocked residents in Del Rio, a city of roughly 35,000 people near the U.S.-Mexico border, because it occurred during the afternoon in a highly visible commercial area. Friends said Peña was known for helping others, recalling that she regularly shared clothing, household items and support with people in need. One longtime friend said the two met as young mothers and remained close for years. Another friend said she missed a phone call from Peña shortly before the attack and later rushed to the hospital after recognizing images circulating online from the scene. Those accounts have underscored how quickly the violence unfolded and how deeply it affected people who knew the victim.
The criminal case is expected to move through the Texas court system in the coming weeks. The three defendants remain accused, not convicted, and are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court. Prosecutors will present evidence as the case advances, while defense attorneys will have the opportunity to challenge the allegations. Investigators have said they continue reviewing surveillance video, witness statements and forensic evidence as they work to determine what led to the deadly confrontation. Officials have not announced a timetable for releasing additional investigative findings or discussing a possible motive.
Outside the courthouse and across Del Rio, many residents have focused on remembering Peña rather than the suspects. Friends described her as someone who consistently put her children first and maintained strong relationships within the community. One friend recalled spending the evening before the attack cooking with Peña and her daughter, saying there was no indication anything unusual was about to happen. Another remembered seeing Peña still fighting for her life before she was transferred to San Antonio, describing the final moments they shared together. Those personal accounts have become a central part of the community’s response as family members prepare to honor Peña’s life while awaiting further developments in the criminal case.
The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have not announced a motive or released additional details explaining what triggered the attack, and future court appearances are expected as prosecutors continue pursuing the murder case against all three defendants.
Author note: Last updated Monday, June 29, 2026.