Breanna Wood, a 21-year-old woman from Corpus Christi, Texas, was tragically murdered on October 18, 2016. Her death was a result of a violent attack by her ex-boyfriend, Joseph Tejeda, who shot her in the back of the head and subsequently broke both of her arms. After her death, Tejeda and several accomplices abused her corpse and attempted to hide her body.
Breanna was reported missing by her mother, Fallon Wood, on October 18, 2016.
The investigation into her disappearance led authorities to an abandoned house off State Highway 666 and State Highway 1833, where they discovered her body wrapped in plastic inside a box. The autopsy confirmed that Breanna had been shot in the back of the head, and her injuries were consistent with the statements provided by a Nueces County Jail inmate who claimed Tejeda confessed to the murder.
Joseph Tejeda was arrested and charged with capital murder in connection with Breanna's death. In addition to Tejeda, six other individuals were indicted for their involvement in the crime, including Sandra Vasquez, who was charged with capital murder and engaging in organized criminal activity. The case faced numerous delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, recusal of the Nueces County District Attorney's Office, and requests for new defense counsel.
In August 2023, nearly seven years after Breanna's death, Joseph Tejeda pleaded guilty to murder, burglary with the intent of aggravated robbery, and assault on a public servant. He received a 25-year sentence for murder, 20 years for burglary, and 20 years for assault, with all sentences to be served concurrently. Tejeda's mother, Rosalinda Musella, who was initially charged with tampering with evidence, had her charges dismissed as part of the plea agreement.
The case remains under a gag order as Sandra Vasquez is set to go to trial later in the year. Fallon Wood, Breanna's mother, has expressed her grief and anger throughout the legal proceedings, emphasizing that the plea deal was made to bring peace to Breanna's soul.
Breanna Wood's tragic death and the subsequent legal battles have drawn significant attention and highlighted the importance of addressing domestic violence and ensuring justice for victims and their families.
