A Texas man, Santos Hernandez Cornejo, 53, has been accused of brutally murdering his 50-year-old girlfriend, Argelia Diaz Maya, in a calculated act of violence.
According to Houston police, Hernandez Cornejo stalked his girlfriend at the Burnin’ Shell restaurant where she worked, and after confronting her, he chased her inside the restaurant and stabbed her multiple times.
A Deadly Confrontation
The deadly incident took place just after midnight on Saturday in Houston, Texas. According to a probable cause arrest affidavit, Hernandez Cornejo had been waiting outside the restaurant for his girlfriend to leave work.
When Maya walked out, the couple argued, and Hernandez Cornejo allegedly confronted her, pulling out a knife hidden in his waistband.
After Maya attempted to escape by running back into the restaurant, he chased her inside and stabbed her multiple times. Paramedics arrived but pronounced her dead at the scene.
Surveillance and Evidence
After the murder, Hernandez Cornejo fled the scene but later voluntarily turned himself in to law enforcement. In his post-Miranda statement to detectives, he admitted to killing Maya.
Hernandez Cornejo explained that he had suspected his girlfriend of cheating, which led him to install a tracker on her car and a listening device in her bedroom to monitor her.
Police found evidence supporting his claims, including surveillance footage showing Hernandez Cornejo discarding the bloody knife in a nearby field. The knife was later recovered by police.
A Calculated Crime
Hernandez Cornejo’s actions were described by authorities as “very aggressive” and “calculated.” According to police, the premeditation of the murder was evident, as he had taken steps to track and spy on his girlfriend before confronting her in such a violent manner.
Legal and Immigration Details
Hernandez Cornejo, an El Salvadoran national who has lived in Houston for nearly two decades, has been charged with murder. He appeared before a judge, who initially set bond at $350,000, which was later lowered to $50,000.
Police also indicated there is an immigration hold on him as part of the investigation. Hernandez Cornejo’s next court date is scheduled for August 19.
A Tragic and Violent End
The murder of Argelia Diaz Maya has shocked the Houston community, as it highlights the danger of controlling and obsessive behaviors within relationships. Hernandez Cornejo’s calculated actions, driven by jealousy and mistrust, resulted in the tragic death of his girlfriend.
As the case moves through the legal system, the brutal nature of the crime serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of unchecked jealousy and violence.
