In a shocking crime in Houston, a Texas man, Santos Hernandez Cornejo, has been charged with the brutal murder of his girlfriend, Argelia Diaz Maya. The 50-year-old woman was fatally stabbed by Hernandez Cornejo shortly after midnight on Saturday at the Burnin’ Shell restaurant where she worked as a dishwasher. According to police, the attack was premeditated and vicious.
The Deadly Attack
Houston police say that Hernandez Cornejo, 53, waited outside the restaurant for his girlfriend to finish her shift. He reportedly confronted her with a knife hidden in his waistband as she walked out. The couple argued, and Maya attempted to run back into the restaurant.
However, Hernandez Cornejo chased her down and stabbed her multiple times in the parking lot. Paramedics arrived at the scene but were unable to save her; she was pronounced dead shortly after.
The Arrest and Investigation
After the attack, Hernandez Cornejo fled the scene but later turned himself in to law enforcement. During questioning, he allegedly confessed to killing his girlfriend. Police say that Hernandez Cornejo suspected Maya of cheating on him, which led him to secretly place a tracker on her car and a listening device in her bedroom.
Surveillance footage obtained from the area captured Hernandez Cornejo discarding the bloody knife in a nearby field, which police later recovered. This, along with his confession, helped law enforcement build their case against him.
The Suspect’s Background
According to reports, Hernandez Cornejo is originally from El Salvador and has been living in Houston for nearly two decades. An immigration hold has been placed on him, adding further complications to his legal situation. Local officials described the crime as “very aggressive” and “calculated,” emphasizing the brutality of the attack.
Legal Proceedings
Hernandez Cornejo was initially given a bond of $350,000, but a judge later reduced it to $50,000. His next court appearance is set for August 19. As the investigation continues, the community remains shocked by the violence and the apparent jealousy that drove such a tragic event.
The murder of Argelia Diaz Maya is a chilling reminder of the dangers of possessiveness and unchecked jealousy. Santos Hernandez Cornejo’s calculated actions and the premeditated nature of the crime have left his community in disbelief.
As the case moves through the legal system, many will be watching closely to see what justice looks like for this senseless loss of life.
