Homicide detectives with the Baytown Police Department have charged Ty Vaughn, 31, in the death of his fiancé, Luis Banos, 27, following a chilling internet search. Vaughn allegedly sought information on the legal ramifications of "killing an illegal immigrant" before the fatal incident. The tragedy unfolded at their apartment in Baytown, Texas, on January 14, according to court records.
Police received a call from Vaughn around 5:30 a.m. on the day of the incident. He claimed to have returned home intoxicated and found Banos dead from a gunshot wound. However, the investigation revealed inconsistencies in Vaughn's statements, prompting further scrutiny from law enforcement officials.
Detectives determined that Banos was shot in the face with a lever action rifle, and the cause of death was ruled a homicide. Vaughn allegedly staged the scene to resemble a suicide, as stated in the probable cause document. Harris County prosecutor Michael Hanover noted, "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."
Vaughn, an Army veteran employed at an industrial company in Houston, initially told police that he and Banos had argued earlier in the day. Following the disagreement, Vaughn reportedly left to visit his mother. Upon returning home, he claimed to have discovered Banos' lifeless body. However, his account of events changed during the investigation, leading authorities to suspect foul play.
On March 7, detectives arrested Vaughn and charged him with murder. He appeared in court on Monday morning, where he received a $500,000 bond, as per Harris County court records.
USA TODAY has reached out to Vaughn's appointed defense attorney for comment but has not received a response. The case has drawn significant attention due to the disturbing internet search conducted by Vaughn prior to Banos' death.
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