On April 9, 2023, 39-year-old Bessy Ayala was found deceased in her apartment at 1370 Afton Street in Houston, Texas. Family members, concerned after not hearing from her for several hours, visited her residence that evening. Upon entering, they discovered signs of a struggle in the living room. Ayala's 12-year-old son found her lifeless body in the bedroom, with multiple gunshot wounds to the chest.
Neighbors reported hearing gunshots between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m.
on the same day, indicating that the shooting occurred earlier than when Ayala's body was discovered. Additionally, her vehicle, a blue Honda Accord, was missing from the scene.
Following an investigation, Houston police identified Ayala's ex-boyfriend, 29-year-old Edwin Gerardo Galdamez-Alas, as the primary suspect. He was arrested on April 13, 2023, and charged with murder and tampering with evidence. Court documents revealed that Galdamez-Alas allegedly shot Ayala multiple times and attempted to conceal the firearm used in the crime. At the time of his arrest, his bonds totaled $180,000.
Ayala's family, originally from Honduras, expressed profound grief over her tragic death. Her mother, Gladis Barrientos, who had immigrated to the United States with Ayala, emphasized their faith in the criminal justice system and called for justice for her daughter.
As of the latest available information, Galdamez-Alas remains in custody, awaiting trial for the charges against him. The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting issues of domestic violence and the safety of immigrant communities in Houston.
