Samantha Miranda, a 23-year-old woman from New Braunfels, Texas, tragically lost her life on May 21, 2015. She was born on August 15, 1991, to Domingo Miranda and Lilian Miranda. Samantha was known for her loving nature, independence, and adventurous spirit. She enjoyed spending time outdoors, swimming, and was especially close to her two sons, Elijah Sanchez and Julian Gage Vasquez.
Samantha attended Canyon High School and worked at the Iron Horse Grill, where she made many friends.
On the night of her death, Samantha was shot multiple times in the 900 block of I-35 South, not far from her home. She was found deceased when the New Braunfels Police Department arrived at the scene. The investigation revealed that Samantha had been out for a walk, a common way for her to clear her head when upset. Her mother, Lilian Miranda, expressed that Samantha's love for walking and running was well-known.
The case remained unsolved for several years until December 3, 2019, when two suspects, Joseph Austin Jr., 23, and De Hieu Nguyen, 41, both from Louisiana, were arrested and charged with capital murder. Police determined that the men attempted to rob Samantha, with Austin being the shooter and Nguyen acting as the getaway driver. Both suspects were already in jail in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana, on unrelated charges when they were arrested. The bond for each suspect was set at $750,000.
The Miranda family finally received some closure knowing who was responsible for Samantha's death, but the pain of losing her remains profound. The case highlights the tireless efforts of law enforcement and the importance of justice for victims and their families.
