Share this @internewscast.com
Authorities may have located the remains of an Alabama mother and her two children, who vanished under mysterious circumstances over a month ago.
Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch announced that three bodies believed to be Aurelia Choc Cac, 40, and her children, Niurka Zuleta Choc, 17, and Anthony Garcia Choc, 2, were discovered March 11 buried in a lightly wooded area in Baldwin County, according to a press conference.
While the official identification awaits the results of autopsies, investigators have gathered sufficient evidence to strongly indicate that the remains are those of the missing family.
Following this grim discovery, Mobile County District Attorney Keith Blackwood announced that the charges against Hector Gamaliel Argueta-Guerra, currently held on kidnapping charges, will be elevated to capital murder.
“This case involves a horrific and gruesome murder,” Blackwood stated. “The state intends to pursue the death penalty. The charges will be formally filed today as we proceed through Alabama’s judicial system.”
What Happened to Aurelia Choc Cac and Her Children?
The family was last seen at their home in Theodore, Alabama, at approximately 3 p.m. on January 30, according to the FBI, and they were reported missing the following day.
The FBI noted that investigators discovered what “appeared to be signs of a struggle inside the residence,” raising immediate concerns about their safety and whereabouts.
A major crimes detective testified in a preliminary hearing on the initial kidnapping charges, per WALA, that blood was discovered inside the home belonging to Niurka. The blood was found on a couch, white shoes in the living room, a trash bag, bed and on the master bedroom floor.
Detectives linked a van—which Argueta-Guerra had allegedly borrowed from his boss—to the kidnapping through surveillance video from area businesses, the detective testified. Argueta-Guerra was also linked to the crime through cell phone records, the news outlet reported.
Authorities have said the 27-year-old—who pleaded not guilty to the kidnapping allegations— has an extensive criminal record.
No Known Motive For Choc Family Killings
At the press conference March 11, Burch said investigators have still not uncovered a motive for the killings, saying “What motive would there be for killing a 2-year-old?”
He also called Argueta-Guerra a “monster,” adding, “He’s an evil person that will face his judgement soon.”
Burch said investigators discovered the remains while conducting a routine search of a property associated with Argueta-Guerra, but declined to provide any further details about what led them to the area.
Tara Zieman, a communications director for the Mobile County District Attorney’s Office, told Oxygen that as of March 13 authorities were still awaiting the results of an autopsy to determine the causes of death for the family members.
According to Zieman, Argueta-Guerra is slated to be arraigned March 13 on upgraded charges which include: three counts of capital murder-kidnapping; three counts of capital murder-burglary; capital murder of a child under 14; capital murder of two or more, three counts of abuse of a corpse and providing false ID.
Investigators have said the investigation remains ongoing.
Oxygen reached out to the public defender’s office in Mobile, but did not receive an immediate reply.
