Texas man charged with murder after alleged online searches about killing
Alona Yadav | Mar 11, 2025, 23:43 IST
( Image credit : ANI )
Ty Vaughn, 31, is accused of murdering his fiancé, Luis Banos, in Baytown, Texas, after researching the legality of killing an illegal immigrant. Vaughn allegedly shot Banos in the face and attempted to stage the scene as a suicide. Investigators found inconsistencies in Vaughn's statements and determined the cause of death as homicide, leading to Vaughn's arrest.
A tragic case has unfolded in Baytown, Texas, where 31-year-old Ty Vaughn stands accused of murdering his fiancé, Luis Banos, following disturbing internet searches about the legality of "killing an illegal immigrant," according to court documents.
Baytown Police Department homicide detectives allege Vaughn shot 27-year-old Banos in the face with a lever action rifle at their apartment on January 14. A Harris County probable cause document reveals that Vaughn initially called police around 5:30 a.m. that day, claiming he had discovered his fiancé dead from a gunshot wound.
According to Vaughn's statement to police, the couple had argued earlier that day. Following the disagreement, Vaughn claimed he left their apartment to visit his mother and returned home intoxicated to find Banos deceased.
However, investigators noted that Vaughn provided "inconsistent statements" during the investigation. Detectives eventually determined Banos' cause of death was homicide by gunshot to the head, leading to Vaughn's arrest and murder charge on March 7.
Prosecutors believe Vaughn attempted to stage the scene as a suicide. Harris County prosecutor Michael Hanover told KHOU 11, "There were some indications, including blood on the bed away from the position that the complainant was found in, that the scene had been tampered with essentially."
Court records identify Vaughn as an Army veteran who worked at an industrial company in Houston. He appeared in court on Monday morning and was given a $500,000 bond, according to Harris County court records.
When contacted by reporters, Vaughn's appointed defense attorney had not provided a response.
This case continues to develop as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding this apparent domestic homicide.
Baytown Police Department homicide detectives allege Vaughn shot 27-year-old Banos in the face with a lever action rifle at their apartment on January 14. A Harris County probable cause document reveals that Vaughn initially called police around 5:30 a.m. that day, claiming he had discovered his fiancé dead from a gunshot wound.
According to Vaughn's statement to police, the couple had argued earlier that day. Following the disagreement, Vaughn claimed he left their apartment to visit his mother and returned home intoxicated to find Banos deceased.
However, investigators noted that Vaughn provided "inconsistent statements" during the investigation. Detectives eventually determined Banos' cause of death was homicide by gunshot to the head, leading to Vaughn's arrest and murder charge on March 7.
Prosecutors believe Vaughn attempted to stage the scene as a suicide. Harris County prosecutor Michael Hanover told KHOU 11, "There were some indications, including blood on the bed away from the position that the complainant was found in, that the scene had been tampered with essentially."
Court records identify Vaughn as an Army veteran who worked at an industrial company in Houston. He appeared in court on Monday morning and was given a $500,000 bond, according to Harris County court records.
When contacted by reporters, Vaughn's appointed defense attorney had not provided a response.
This case continues to develop as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding this apparent domestic homicide.