Caroline Peña was fatally stabbed in Del Rio, Texas, on Thursday, June 25
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Credit: GoFundMe
NEED TO KNOW
- On Thursday, June 25, Caroline Peña, a mother of five, was fatally stabbed in broad daylight in Del Rio, Texas
- Three women, including two sisters, were arrested and charged with murder after surveillance footage linked them to the crime
- A GoFundMe has been set up to support Peña’s five children following her tragic death
Three suspects, including two sisters, have been arrested and charged with murder after authorities allege they stabbed a 32-year-old Texas mother to death.
At around 2:10 p.m. on Thursday, June 25, officers responded to Val Verde Regional Medical Center after receiving a report of a woman “suffering from multiple stab wounds,” the Del Rio Police Department (DRPD) said in a news release on Facebook. The assault took place on East 10th Street in Del Rio.
“Due to the severity of her injuries, the victim was transported to a medical facility in San Antonio for emergency treatment,” said the DRPD.
The victim, identified as 32-year-old Caroline Peña, died from her injuries at around 9 p.m. Thursday.
Surveillance footage and witness interviews led to the arrest of sisters Kitty Mia Diaz, 21, and Amaya Cookie Diaz, 19, and a third suspect, Kyandra Renee Faz, 21, on Thursday, the DRPD said.
“At approximately 4:00 p.m., officers located and arrested Kitty Mia Diaz and Amaya Cookie Diaz without incident,” said the DRPD. “A short time later, officers located and arrested Kyandra Renee Faz in connection with the investigation … Following the victim's death, [they] were each charged with murder.”
In footage released by KENS 5, the sisters are seen being arrested at a home and being escorted in handcuffs by officers.
Peña, who was a mother of five, was “stabbed multiple times in broad daylight,” according to a GoFundMe set up to support her family. A motive for the stabbing is not known at this time.
“Her nephew rushed her to the hospital, and she was airlifted to San Antonio, but she did not survive. The loss has devastated her family…,” the GoFundMe reads. “Three women have been charged with murder, and investigators say additional charges are possible, though a motive has not been established.”
Credit: City of Del Rio Police Department Facebook (3)
Peña was stabbed twice in the back and a third time in the side of the stomach, KENS 5 reported. “One of the stab wounds ended up puncturing her lungs, which was the fatal cause,” Peña's friend Tina told the outlet.
The three suspects were transported to the GEO Correctional Facility, where they are being held pending further court appearances, the DRPD said. The investigation is ongoing.
Peña leaves behind her five children, including two with autism, according to the GoFundMe.
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“Now, five children are waking up without their mother. Two of them have autism and cannot fully process what her absence means yet,” the fundraiser reads. “All five will carry this loss for the rest of their lives. The funds raised will help support Caroline's children and family as they navigate this unimaginable grief and begin to rebuild.”
PEOPLE has reached out to the DRPD for further comment.