Alabama authorities said on Thursday that three buried bodies are likely those of a woman and her two children who vanished in January.
Aurelia Choc, 40, and her daughter and son, Niurka Choc, 17, and Anthony Garcia, 2, were last seen on January 30 at their home in Theodore. Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch said evidence found at the home led them to believe foul play was involved in their disappearances, according to AL.com.
Burch revealed last month that blood was discovered in the home, in addition to cash and cell phones that were left behind. He also said a mattress was missing, which drew suspicion.
Hector Gamaliel Argueta Guerra, 31, was arrested for kidnapping in early February. Mobile County District Attorney Keith Blackwood said the charges will be upgraded to capital murder following the discovery of the three bodies.
“This is a horrific and gruesome murder. The state will seek the death penalty in this case, the charges will be signed today, and we will move through the Alabama justice system,” Blackwood said, according to WALA.
The three bodies, which were buried in a wooded area east of Summerdale, have not been positively identified as the Choc family. Burch said preliminary autopsy results are expected late Thursday.
Burch said Guerra, who is from El Salvador, faced aggravated attempted homicide charges in 2015. Since then, he has been detained on charges related to terrorism and organized crime.
A motive in the triple homicide also remains undisclosed.
Burch asked on Thursday, “What motive would there be for killing a 2-year-old?”
For the latest true crime and justice news, subscribe to the ‘Crime Stories with Nancy Grace’ podcast.
Join Nancy Grace for her new online video series designed to help you protect what you love most – your children.
[Feature Photo: FBI]
