On November 24, 2023, at approximately 4:20 a.m., Farmers Branch police responded to a call at a residence on Castleton Place in Farmers Branch, Texas. Upon arrival, they discovered the bodies of two sisters: 47-year-old Catalina Valdez Andrade and 43-year-old Merced Andrade Bailon. Both women had been fatally shot in the head. Additionally, a third victim, identified as the suspect's daughter, was found with a gunshot wound to her arm; she survived the attack.
The suspect, 50-year-old Jose Santiago Chairez, was apprehended later that day. He has been charged with capital murder of multiple persons and aggravated assault causing bodily injury to a family member. Chairez is currently held in the Dallas County Jail without bond, as authorities believe he is in the country illegally.
The motive behind the shootings remains unclear. Authorities have not disclosed how Chairez knew the sisters or what led to the violent encounter. The investigation is ongoing, and police have stated there is no continued threat to the public.
In the wake of this tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign was established by the victims' family to assist with funeral expenses. The sisters were described as best friends and devoted family members whose lives were tragically taken.
Funeral services for Catalina and Merced were held on December 2, 2023, at Calvary Hill Funeral Home in Dallas, Texas. The community continues to mourn the loss of the two sisters as they await further developments in the case.
