On February 20, 2023, at approximately 5:27 a.m., Liberty County Sheriff's deputies responded to a reported shooting at a residence on County Road 2414 in Hull, Texas. Upon arrival, they discovered 37-year-old Tangela Evette Stephens with a gunshot wound inside a one-bedroom apartment situated behind the main house on the property of her boyfriend, Martin Toth. Despite immediate lifesaving efforts, Stephens succumbed to her injuries at the scene.
Investigations revealed that earlier that morning, an argument had erupted between Martin Toth and his son, 36-year-old Aurelio Toth, who was reportedly upset about Stephens' presence on the property. The confrontation escalated when Aurelio, armed with a shotgun, followed his father to the apartment where Stephens was staying and fatally shot her. Both Martin and Aurelio were taken to the sheriff's office for questioning, during which Aurelio admitted to the shooting. Authorities found no evidence implicating Martin in the crime.
Subsequently, Aurelio Toth was arrested and charged with murder. He was booked into the Liberty County Jail with bond set at $2 million. Justice of the Peace Jimmy Belt conducted an inquest at the scene and ordered an autopsy, with Stephens' body transported to Beaumont for further examination. The case remains under active investigation by the Liberty County Sheriff's Office.
