A Texas homicide investigation in San Angelo has resulted in the arrest of a 31-year-old woman accused of killing her partner and a separate charge against her father, whom authorities say helped dispose of the victim’s remains. The case centers on the death of 34-year-old Roland Matthew Sheppard, whose disappearance and suspected homicide prompted a rapid and wide-ranging police investigation.
According to the San Angelo Police Department, Audrey Troncoso was arrested on a murder charge after investigators linked her to Sheppard’s death. Her father, Mario Valdes Troncoso Jr., 54, was also taken into custody and charged with tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, based on allegations that he assisted in disposing of the victim’s remains.
Authorities said the investigation began after an anonymous tip led officers to a dumpster at an apartment complex on Baker Street. By the time police arrived, the dumpster had already been emptied, prompting investigators to track down the garbage truck that had serviced the area. Inside its contents, they reportedly discovered what appeared to be blood-stained clothing and a large piece of carpet.
That discovery gave investigators probable cause to search a residence on Parker Street, where Audrey Troncoso was later arrested. Police said she was the live-in partner of Sheppard at the time of the alleged homicide, which authorities believe occurred on June 23.
During questioning, investigators say Troncoso admitted to shooting and stabbing Sheppard. Officials further alleged that after the killing, she attempted to conceal the crime by disposing of evidence connected to the victim.
Some of Sheppard’s remains were later recovered from a landfill after investigators traced materials back to the original dumpster. Authorities said the evidence recovery helped establish the timeline of events leading to both arrests.
San Angelo Police Chief Travis Griffith described the case as one of the most violent homicide investigations in recent memory. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to review forensic evidence and determine the full circumstances surrounding the crime.
