A tragic murder case from Texas has ended with a life prison sentence after a man admitted to shooting his girlfriend while she slept, then leaving the scene to buy beer before eventually calling police. Prosecutors say the disturbing sequence of events shocked both investigators and the local community.
Texas Man Sentenced to Life for Girlfriend’s Murder
Juan Manuel Yanez, 49, has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Victoria Valadez, 43.
The sentencing was announced by the Hays County District Attorney’s Office after Yanez pleaded guilty to murder earlier this month.
Under Texas law, Yanez will become eligible for parole after serving 30 years.
Victim Was Shot While Sleeping
Investigators said the murder happened on February 7, 2025, inside Valadez’s apartment in San Marcos, located south of Austin.
According to police:
- Yanez called 911 and claimed he had just shot his “wife”
- He did not tell dispatchers where he was located
- Authorities traced the call to an apartment on River Road
- Officers arrived and found Valadez suffering from a gunshot wound to the head
Investigators said there were no signs of a struggle, suggesting she was asleep when she was killed.
Surveillance Footage Revealed Chilling Timeline
After the shooting, prosecutors say Yanez briefly left the crime scene.
Investigators later obtained surveillance footage from a nearby 7-Eleven showing Yanez arriving in the victim’s truck and purchasing four beers.
Authorities said:
- The store visit happened about 20 minutes before the 911 call
- He returned to the apartment afterward
- The beers were still cold when police arrived
This evidence led investigators to conclude the shooting happened before the beer purchase.
Physical Evidence Linked Him to the Crime
When officers processed the apartment, they discovered multiple pieces of evidence connecting Yanez to the murder.
Police found:
- His wallet on the victim’s bedside table
- Blood from the victim on his clothing
- Blood on jewelry he was wearing
Investigators also confirmed that Yanez and Valadez were not legally married, despite his 911 statement. The two had reportedly been in a romantic relationship for several months.
Suspect Fled More Than 150 Miles
After calling police, Yanez allegedly fled the area and drove more than 150 miles to Houston, where investigators say he lived with another family.
During the drive, authorities believe he:
- Disposed of the murder weapon
- Removed the SIM card from his cellphone
- Tried to avoid digital tracking by police
The firearm used in the murder was never recovered.
Arrested After Brief Manhunt
Once investigators identified Yanez as the primary suspect, law enforcement launched a manhunt.
Police eventually located and arrested him near his Houston residence without major incident.
Despite the investigation, prosecutors said they were never able to establish a clear motive for the killing.
Prosecutors Praise Victim’s Family
During sentencing, prosecutors praised the courage shown by Valadez’s loved ones throughout the case.
Officials said the family’s strength helped the court understand not only the details of the crime but also the emotional damage caused to the entire community.
