Share and Follow
A chilling tragedy unfolded in Texas, where a newlywed husband stands accused of taking the life of his bride just weeks after their wedding. The suspect, 23-year-old Francisco Mendez-Marin, allegedly expressed to authorities a sense of obligation behind his actions.
Charged with murder, Mendez-Marin’s case has sent shockwaves through the community. The grim discovery was made by Carrollton Police, who found Karla Rangel lifeless in an apartment located on the 1700 block of Metrocrest Drive on March 18. The details were revealed in an affidavit acquired by Oxygen.
The authorities were alerted to the scene around 4:40 a.m. following a distress call reporting a disturbance at the residence. The 911 caller described hearing desperate cries for help and the disturbing sound of wood breaking inside the apartment.
Upon arrival, officers were met with a harrowing sight. Rangel was discovered in a pool of blood, unresponsive, and suffering from a severe throat injury, as detailed in the affidavit. This tragic incident continues to resonate, raising questions and leaving a community in mourning.
When they arrived, police found Rangel in “a pool of blood” not breathing with an injury to her throat, per the affidavit.
Officers located Mendez-Marin, who was covered in blood and had scratches on his arms, throat and chest, walking down the stairs after leaving the apartment, authorities said. A second male was found inside the apartment.
Mendez-Marin was carrying a “bloody pocketknife” and razor blade in the pocket of his pants, according to the court records. He was arrested at the scene and taken to the Dallas County jail, where he’s currently being held without bond, according to jail records reviewed by Oxygen.
Body camera footage allegedly captured Mendez-Marin at the scene telling the officers in Spanish, “I was obligated to do it” and insisting that, per an affidavit obtained by the news outlet, he “didn’t do anything bad.”
Police believe Mendez-Marin killed his new bride during a domestic dispute that turned deadly, according to the affidavit.
Investigators also found a marriage license inside the home, which showed the couple had been married on Feb. 26, per the affidavit.
The Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office has listed the 20-year-old’s death as a homicide, according to records reviewed by Oxygen.
Oxygen reached to the Carrollton Police for additional comment, but did not receive an immediate reply.
The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office declined to comment on the case to Oxygen. Oxygen.com also reached out to Mendez-Marin’s attorney Alexandria Cazares Perez, but did not receive an immediate response.