HOUSTON – A man has been arrested and charged after confessing to murdering his ex-girlfriend in southwest Houston, the Houston Police Department said Wednesday.
Ariel Cruz, 19, was charged with the murder of his 21-year-old ex-girlfriend, Idania Campos, who was found dead in the trunk of her own car.
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Cruz shot the woman after she broke up with him, charging documents stated.
Campos was reported missing Tuesday morning after she did not arrive at school.
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Her family said they found her black Honda Civic parked in the 5400 block of Indigo Street in southwest Houston Tuesday afternoon.
“They were able to track her car to this location. The relatives made entry into the car, looked in the trunk, and found the body of their relative in the trunk,” said Houston police Lt. Larry Crowson said.
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Cruz was at the scene with the family searching for the victim. Relatives tell KPRC 2 reporter Re’Chelle Turner he even consoled them when they made the gruesome discovery, knowing he was the one who killed her.
Throughout their investigation, authorities identified Cruz as a suspect. After he was detained, investigators say he confessed to his role in Campos’ death.
VIDEO: Ring doorbell captures footage of Idania Campos’ family asking people if they have seen her
In February, KPRC 2 News launched our Breaking Free initiative, highlighting domestic violence in our community and offering families solutions. Click here for a list of free domestic violence resources.
Help is also available immediately by calling the following numbers:
- Houston Area Women’s Center: (713) 528-2121
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799−7233
Explore more of our ‘Breaking Free’ coverage using the links below.