On a Saturday evening in late March 2023, a violent encounter at an Oklahoma City apartment complex ended the life of a mother and left her daughter seriously wounded. Maria Aguilar, a 52-year-old Hispanic woman, was shot and killed on March 25 at the Cornerstone Apartments on the West I-240 Service Road.
Police were called to the scene at approximately 5:33 p.m. for a possible shooting.
When they arrived, they were met by an adult female suffering from a gunshot wound and a minor child who had witnessed the attack. They told officers that Maria Aguilar had been shot by Dario Acebedo, her 39-year-old ex-boyfriend with whom she shared a child. Investigators learned that Acebedo, who was believed to have come from out of town, had shown up at the apartment unannounced to discuss their child. He allegedly forced his way inside, and a disagreement escalated into gunfire.
During the altercation, Acebedo shot and killed Maria Aguilar. He also shot her 23-year-old daughter, Jessica Aguilar, four times. The younger woman survived her injuries. Acebedo also threatened his and Maria's 11-year-old daughter, but she was able to get away and call 911. After the shooting, Acebedo remained inside the apartment. Officers were told he had possibly harmed himself and, after receiving no response to their calls, a contact team prepared to enter the residence. Before they could, Acebedo exited on his own and was taken into custody.
Acebedo had what appeared to be self-inflicted injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. After his release, he was booked into the Oklahoma County Jail. He was charged with first-degree murder, assault and battery with a deadly weapon, kidnapping, and possession of a firearm while committing a felony.
The Aguilar family’s path to justice was prolonged when, in December 2023, Acebedo rejected a plea deal for a life sentence, a decision that upset family members who had been hoping for closure. The case was then set to go to trial. However, nearly a year later, Acebedo changed his course. In December 2024, he entered a blind guilty plea to murder and was sentenced to life in prison.
