On February 8, 2023, in Joaquin, Texas, 32-year-old Yuri Diana Barahona was found deceased in her home from apparent gunshot wounds to the head. The discovery was made after her 10-year-old son found her body in the bathroom and sought help from a neighbor, who then contacted authorities. At the time of the incident, Barahona's four children, aged 10, 9, 7, and 6, were present in the home but were physically unharmed.
The Shelby County Sheriff's Office identified Barahona's husband, 32-year-old Carlos Caporali Manuels, as the primary suspect in her death. According to an arrest affidavit, the children informed deputies that their stepfather had killed their mother. Manuels fled the scene following the incident, prompting a search by law enforcement. His vehicle, a white 1998 Chevrolet S-10, was later found abandoned in Tyler, Texas. Subsequently, Manuels contacted Smith County 911, claiming he had been shot. He was located and taken to a hospital for treatment of injuries determined to be from a pellet gun. After his release from the hospital, Manuels was arrested and charged with murder.
On March 25, 2024, Manuels accepted a plea agreement and was sentenced to 40 years in prison for the murder of Yuri Barahona. Court documents revealed that during the incident, Barahona's four children were present, and one of them sought help from a neighbor. The indictment stated that Manuels shot Barahona in the head, leading to her death. The plea agreement included a credit of 411 days for time served.
Following the tragedy, Barahona's children were placed in the care of an immediate family member. The Shelby County Sheriff's Office extended condolences to the Barahona family, acknowledging the profound impact of the loss on the community.
