A Texas homicide investigation has led to the arrest of a woman accused of killing and dismembering her partner, along with a separate arrest of her father, whom authorities say helped dispose of the victim’s remains. The case, described by investigators as highly violent, is being handled by the San Angelo Police Department.
Police say 31-year-old Audrey Troncoso was taken into custody on a murder charge in connection with the death of 34-year-old Roland Matthew Sheppard, who was reported as the victim of a suspected homicide on June 23. In a separate but related arrest, her father, 54-year-old Mario Valdes Troncoso Jr., was charged with tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.
According to police statements and a press conference held by San Angelo Police Chief Travis Griffith, the investigation began after officers received an anonymous tip pointing them to a dumpster at an apartment complex on Baker Street. By the time law enforcement arrived, the dumpster had already been emptied by sanitation services.
Investigators later tracked down the garbage truck and searched its contents, where they reportedly found what appeared to be blood-stained clothing and a large piece of carpet. Authorities said the discovery provided probable cause to search a residence on Parker Street, where Audrey Troncoso was subsequently arrested.
Police allege that Troncoso had been living with Sheppard at the time of his death and that evidence supports a fatal attack inside the home. During questioning, investigators say she admitted to shooting and stabbing Sheppard. Officials further stated that after the killing, she attempted to conceal and dispose of the remains.
Some of the victim’s remains were later recovered from a landfill after investigators traced materials back to the dumpster. Authorities said the evidence recovered from multiple locations helped establish the sequence of events leading to the arrest of both the suspect and her father.
Chief Griffith described the case as one of the most violent homicide investigations in recent memory, noting that the motive remains under investigation. Troncoso is currently held on a $2 million bond, while her father remains in custody on a $100,000 bond as the case continues through the court system.
