On December 23, 2024, 30-year-old Tomas Donard Calavera Jr., a male of Native Hawaiian descent, was found deceased in his home in the Alamo Ranch area of far west Bexar County, San Antonio, Texas. Responding to a welfare check initiated by Calhoun County authorities, deputies from the Bexar County Sheriff's Office discovered Calavera's body inside the master bedroom closet. He had suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the face.
Calavera's father, who had also been contacted to check on his son, was present at the scene when deputies arrived.
The investigation quickly identified 40-year-old Faith Paige Goynes, Calavera's common-law wife and the mother of his child, as the primary suspect. According to an arrest affidavit, Goynes confessed to shooting Calavera in the face inside their home. After the shooting, she fled the scene in Calavera's 2024 GMC pickup truck. Later that day, Calhoun County deputies responded to a vehicle fire in Port O'Connor, approximately 150 miles southeast of San Antonio. They found Calavera's truck engulfed in flames, with a yellow gas can and a lighter nearby. A witness reported seeing a woman, later identified as Goynes, attempting to extinguish herself while walking away from the burning vehicle.
Authorities located Goynes paddling away from the scene in a kayak. She had severe burns on her right hand and was in possession of Calavera's identification. Goynes was arrested and charged with murder and arson causing serious bodily injury or death. She is currently being held at the Calhoun County Detention Center.
Tomas Donard Calavera Jr., affectionately known as "Keola" by his friends and family, was born on January 31, 1994, in Honolulu, Hawaii. A proud veteran of the United States Army, he served from 2013 to 2020 as a Staff Sergeant and 19D Cavalry Scout. His military service was distinguished by numerous accolades, including the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, and the Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal with Campaign Star. Calavera's sudden and tragic death has left a profound void in the lives of his family and friends.
