On March 12, 2023, 20-year-old Jasmine Borjas Santos was tragically killed in a quadruple homicide at an apartment in Northwest Dallas. The incident occurred in the 3500 block of Villaverde Avenue, where officers discovered the bodies of two men and two women, all victims of fatal gunshot wounds. An infant was also present in the apartment but was found unharmed.
The victims were identified as 18-year-old Juan Diego Cruz, 24-year-old Lupe Cruz, 20-year-old Jasmine Borjas Santos, and 21-year-old Fatima Guadalupe Alvarado Fuentes. Family members became concerned after being unable to reach the victims throughout the day and contacted the authorities, leading to the discovery of the crime scene.
Investigators quickly identified two suspects: 18-year-old Artemio Maldonado and 20-year-old Azucena Sanchez. Sanchez was reported to be the ex-girlfriend of victim Juan Cruz, with whom she had a contentious custody dispute over their child. Family members indicated that Sanchez and Maldonado had previously made threats against Juan Cruz.
Surveillance footage from the apartment complex showed a vehicle matching Maldonado's leaving the scene around 1:11 a.m. on the day of the murders. Later that evening, police located the suspect vehicle and apprehended Maldonado and Sanchez as they approached it. A handgun was found inside the car.
During police interviews, Maldonado admitted to shooting all four victims. He stated that he and Sanchez had entered the apartment through a back bedroom window, leading to a confrontation with the occupants, during which he opened fire. Sanchez claimed they had broken in to steal money, believing no one was home, but the victims confronted them, resulting in the shootings.
Both Maldonado and Sanchez were charged with capital murder and taken to the Dallas County Jail. The infant found at the scene was evaluated at a hospital and placed in the care of Child Protective Services.
This tragic event has deeply affected the Dallas community, highlighting the devastating impact of domestic disputes escalating into violence. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities seek to bring justice for the victims and their families.
