Man charged with murder after searching online about 'legal citizen' killing 'illegal immigrant'
A Texas man charged with murder in the death of his fiancé searched online what the legal consequences were for a "legal citizen' who killed an "illegal immigrant," according to a court document.
Ty Vaughn, 31, has been charged with the murder of Luis David Banos Norberto, 21, nearly two months after authorities said he called 911 to report finding Banos dead at a Baytown, Texas, apartment.
Prior to Banos' death, Vaughn "made an elaborate electronic inquiry on the world-wide web to determine the legal ramifications of killing an 'illegal immigrant' by a 'legal citizen,'" according to a court document regarding bond and filed in the 183rd District Court in Harris County.
In a news release posted Monday, the Baytown Police Department said it arrested Vaughn on Friday in connection with the Jan. 14 death of Banos, whom they identified as his fiancé. Police said they found Banos shot in the head and held Vaughn for questioning.
"Throughout the investigation, Vaughn provided inconsistent testimony," the police news release states.
The court document alleges that Banos was shot in the face with a lever action rifle and afterward the scene was staged as a suicide. It also states that Vaughn is a U.S. Army veteran who was honorably discharged.
Vaughn told authorities the two had an argument Friday and then he left the apartment to visit his mother. He returned home at 4 p.m. in "an intoxicated state of mind," the court document states. One witness told police they heard gunfire at about that time and another reported seeing Vaughn enter the apartment at about 4:05 p.m. and then hearing a loud noise, according to the document.
Bond was set for Vaughn at $500,000 on the condition he wears a GPS monitor if released. An arraignment hearing was set for April 30.
Vaughn's court-appointed attorney Inger Chandler said her client is presumed innocent and "cases are rarely as clear-cut as they seem."
She said Vaughn "is devastated by the loss of his fiancé; he loved Mr. Banos very much and hoped to marry him."
The obituary for Banos posted online states he was born in Guerrero, Mexico, and is survived by his parents, grandparents and three brothers, all of whom live in Baytown.
"The artwork you've shared with me I will cherish even more closely. The volunteer work we've done over the years goes to show your character and big heart, and I'll continue," one person wrote in an online guestbook.
A cousin posted a GoFundMe request for Banos in January on behalf of his mother, saying, "Our family is devastated with the loss of Luis."This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
30 minutes ago
- Yahoo
21-Year-Old Woman Found Dead in ‘Wooded Area' amid Fears of a New England Serial Killer
The body of Adriana Suazo was found in a wooded area in the Norfolk District, in Milton, Mass., on Sunday, June 1 The 21-year-old's death comes after several women have been found dead in the New England region since March, sparking fears of a serial killer in the region Suazo's cause of death is being investigated by the Chief Medical Examiner, according to the Norfolk District Attorney's OfficeSpeculation that a serial killer is operating in New England has been reignited following the discovery of a woman's body in Massachusetts. At around 11:45 a.m. local time on Sunday, June 1, the body of 21-year-old Adriana Suazo was found 'in a wooded area' by a passerby near a home on 143 Central Avenue, Norfolk District, in Milton, Norfolk District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey announced in a press release. Suazo's body showed 'no obvious signs of trauma.' The Chief Medical Examiner is investigating the cause of her death. Family members said they weren't sure why Suazo — who grew up in Boston — had been in Milton at the time, the Boston Globe reported. One of her sisters allegedly said she'd last spoken to Suazo on May 29. The discovery of Suazo's body marks the 13th unexplained death in remote or wooded areas in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Maine since March, sparking concerns of a possible serial killer on the loose in the region, Fox News reported. In April, the remains of six people were found in towns close to one another in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. The victims included Paige Fannon, 35, who was found in the Norwalk River on March 6, Denise Leary, 59, who was found in New Haven on March 21 and Michele Romano, 56, five days later, according to police. Police denied a single suspect in the killings, despite speculation about a serial killer in the area at the time. 'This investigation is in the early stages, remains active and ongoing, and there is no information at this time suggesting any connection to similar remains discoveries actively under investigation by CSP or other CT law enforcement agencies," the Connecticut State Police told PEOPLE in a statement at the time. The police added that 'there is no known threat to the public at this time.' A GoFundMe page set up by Suazo's sister, Mel Loves, described her as 'a firecracker, full of life, laughter, and fierce love' and said her death has been 'heartbreaking.' 'Losing her so suddenly has shattered our world,' the description on the page read. 'My family is completely heartbroken, trying to navigate this pain while also doing everything we can to give Adriana the proper burial she deserves—a sendoff that honors the vibrant, loving, and unforgettable person she was.' The page so far has raised $9,550 with a goal of reaching $11,000 to cover funeral costs. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. Authorities are urging anyone who saw Suazo in the last week to call the Massachusetts State Police Tip Line at the NDAO at 781-830-4990. The investigation is ongoing. PEOPLE has contacted the NDAO and the Massachusetts State Police for comment. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Yahoo
Houston U.S. Army member plans move to Honduras after wife's deportation
The Brief Aysaac Correa, a U.S. Army member, plans to move to Honduras to reunite with his wife, Shirly Guardado, who was deported after being in federal custody for over two months. Correa expressed disappointment in the Trump administration, feeling betrayed after voting for him and serving the country, as he believed only violent criminals would be targeted. While Guardado has the option to return to the U.S. legally, the process will take time, and the couple has already started working on it. HOUSTON - Aysaac Correa, an active-duty U.S. Army member, is preparing to leave the country to reunite with his wife, Shirly Guardado, who was deported to Honduras. What they're saying Aysaac Correa is counting down the days until June 16, when he plans to sell all his belongings and move to Honduras to be with his wife and their one-year-old son. Guardado was in federal custody for over two months before her deportation. "It was a chill that came down my spine," Correa said. "It felt almost as bad as finding out that she got taken in by ICE, but at the same time, I have the possibility of going to see her again." Guardado described her difficult journey via Facetime, recounting her experience of being taken from the Montgomery Processing Center in Conroe. She was shackled on a plane with mostly men, traveling through Louisiana and Texas before reaching Honduras. "This administration, they're being heartless," Correa said. "They're targeting people coming out of their cases, their hearings. They're out of control." Correa expressed disappointment in President Donald Trump, whom he voted for, believing he would target only violent criminals. As a U.S. Army member, Correa feels betrayed by the administration's actions. "It is exhausting. Putting my life on the line for this country wasn't an easy decision. Honestly, I just feel betrayed," he said. A video captured the moment Guardado arrived in Honduras. While she is now free, Correa can only communicate with her through video calls until they reunite. What's next Guardado still has the option to return to the United States legally, but the process will take time. The couple has already begun working on it. Correa has put in a transfer to the Soto Cano Air Base, which is a part of the Joint Task Force-Bravo, a military base in Honduras. The backstory Shirly entered the U.S. illegally in 2014 at age 16 and was issued an expedited removal order, later released under supervision. She has consistently reported to immigration authorities, graduated from high school, and married Asyaac, an active-duty U.S. Army service member, in 2022. In 2023, U.S. Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS) approved Asyaac's petition for Shirly, making her arrest unexpected. Dig deeper When a petition is approved by USCIS, it means they have determined the petitioner meets the requirements for the requested immigration benefit and has approved the petition. This approval is typically followed by an official notice, such as Form I-797 Notice of Action, which can be used as evidence of the approval. Correa filed Shirly's petition, and it was approved on November 18, 2023, and is sponsoring her request for Military Parole in Place – which the couple were waiting for. Military Parole in Place (PIP) is a program that allows certain family members of U.S. military personnel, veterans, or reservists who entered the U.S. without authorization to remain in the country for a specified period. It provides temporary legal status to these family members, enabling them to stay while addressing their immigration status and potentially applying for permanent residency. Timeline FOX 26 news reporter Jonathan Mejia first reported the story before it gained national attention. March 15, 2025: Houston family faces separation after ICE arrests Honduran mother despite documentation May 2, 2025: Houston father and son celebrate birthday amid mother's ICE detention June 6, 2025:Houston U.S. Army member plans move to Honduras after wife's deportation The other side On Friday night, ICE sent FOX 26 Houston a statement: STATEMENT: Shirley Daniela Guardado-Funez, a 27-year-old alien from Honduras, illegally entered the United States on or around Feb. 22, 2014, and was immediately apprehended by the U.S. Border Patrol. Guardado was processed as an expedited removal and released on an order of supervision based on the immigration enforcement priorities at that time. Guardado filed a request for parole in place with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Dec. 14, 2023. However, that request was denied May 29, 2024. As an alien in expedited removal proceedings, Guardado is not entitled to an immigration hearing or eligible to adjust her status and is subject to mandatory detention. To ensure compliance with the law, ICE took her into custody March 13, 2025, and she was taken to the Montgomery Processing Center in Conroe, Texas. On May 30, ICE removed Guardado-Funez to Honduras. ON BACKGROUND: On Jan. 21, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security published a notice in the Federal Register titled Designating Aliens for Expedited Removal that restored the scope of expedited removal to the fullest extent authorized by Congress under section 235(b)(1)(A)(iii) of the INA. Aliens in expedited removal proceedings – who have not expressed an intent to apply for asylum or a fear of persecution or torture should they be returned to their country of origin – are not entitled to an immigration hearing before an immigration judge or to appeal the expedited removal order to the Board of Immigration Appeals. Aliens who are subject to expedited removal are not entitled to adjust their status. Military parole in place allows certain alien family members of U.S. military personnel, veterans, and enlistees to remain in the United States legally. It is granted on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit, allowing individuals who entered the U.S. without authorization to stay for a certain period of time. ICE's detention authority is based on the furtherance of an alien's immigration proceedings, and if so ordered, their removal from the country. Federal immigration laws mandate the detention of certain categories of aliens, including terrorist aliens, aliens with certain criminal convictions, arriving aliens, and aliens in the expedited removal process. Aliens who have been authorized to work in the U.S. (work permits) are not conferred any form of lawful status and can be placed in immigration proceedings or detained at any time. The Source FOX 26's Jonathan Mejia spoke with Aysaac Correa and his wife, Shirly Guardado.
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Yahoo
Search for Travis Decker; man accused of killing 3 young daughters
The Brief There's a new plea to track down Travis Decker. Decker is the Pewaukee native accused of killing his three young daughters in Washington State. In a phone conversation, Decker's former father-in-law in Lake Geneva pleaded, "I want Travis Decker found." PEWAUKEE, Wis. - Police are looking for a Pewaukee native accused of killing his three children in Washington State. What we know On Thursday, June 5, investigators in Washington State urged homeowners in five remote counties to lock their doors. Trails and parks are now closed to the public. It is all part of the search for Travis Decker. FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android Deputies announced a $20,000 cash reward for any information leading to Decker's arrest. What they're saying "Our primary goal is to track him down," said Michael Morrison, Chelan County Sheriff in Washington State. "We have been in touch with agencies across the nation and tracking down leads – we are aware of the connections he has." Decker is a Pewaukee native. He graduated from Pewaukee High School. Decker was a wrestler while attending the school. His brother told FOX6 News Decker graduated in 2010. Dig deeper In a phone conversation on Friday, June 6, Decker's former father-in-law in Lake Geneva pleaded, "I want Travis Decker found." A former Army squad mate told our Seattle affiliate that Decker was an "outcast" and a "narcissist." A GoFundMe to help the children's mother, Whitney, cover expenses and legal costs has surpassed $1 million. Investigators say Decker kidnapped his three daughters last Friday. On Monday, 5-year-old Olivia, 8-year-old Evenlyn and 9-year-old Paityn were found dead at the Rock Island Campground outside of Leavenworth, Washington. Investigators say the preliminary cause of death for each was asphyxiation. SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News Decker lived out of his truck. The vehicle was found, but there is no sign of him. "Ultimately, he will be brought to justice," Morrison said. The Source The information in this post was provided by law enforcement in Washington State as well as persons familiar with Travis Decker.
