November 28, 2023 - Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in the death of a woman found at 5400 Indigo Street about 5:40 p.m. on Tuesday (November 28).  

The suspect, Ariel Cruz, 19, is charged with murder in the 184th State District Court.  A booking photo of Cruz is attached to this news release.  

The identity of the victim, 21, is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.  

HPD Homicide Division Detectives R. Waterwall and K. Hale reported:  

In the morning hours of November 28, family members of the victim learned she did not arrive at school.  They learned her location was in the area of the 5400 block of Indigo Street and saw her vehicle, a black Honda Civic, parked in the street.  After searching the neighborhood and finding no sign of her, family members contacted HPD to report her missing.  

About 5:40 p.m., a family member forced entry to the Honda, opened the trunk and found the female unresponsive.  Houston Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and pronounced the female deceased.  She had signs of trauma to her face.  

Further investigation identified a suspect as Cruz, who was on the scene along with the family in their search for the victim.  Cruz was detained and interviewed by homicide detectives.  He confessed to his role in his girlfriend's death and was subsequently charged. 



Ariel Cruz



VHS/JFC  11-29-23
Inc. #169521323