The Arlington Police Department has made an arrest in connection to the October 2022 death of Evila Yanes, who was found deceased from blunt force injuries in a parking lot along N. Cooper Street.

Following an extensive and thorough investigation, homicide detectives obtained an arrest warrant for 44-year-old Jose Luis Moreno Castaneda on one count of Murder.

Mr. Moreno Castaneda was already in custody on unrelated charges when the warrant was served.

Through the course of their investigation, detectives learned Ms. Yanes and Mr. Moreno Castaneda were in a lengthy dating relationship that had a documented history of domestic violence. Surveillance cameras at a local business captured the two of them together on October 29, 2022, just hours before her body was discovered.

Detectives publicly identified Mr. Moreno Castaneda as a person of interest in the case during a November 2022 news conference as they attempted to locate him and question him about the murder. Thanks to extensive media coverage of that announcement, the department received a credible tip from a member of the public – and he was found and taken into custody the next day on a probation violation warrant.

Although Mr. Moreno Castaneda declined to speak with detectives about the case, they continued on with their investigation -- and recently received lab reports that revealed his DNA was found on multiple items at the crime scene.

“This is a prime example of how the community working with their police department can make a positive difference,” said Chief of Police Al Jones. “With the help of our media partners and the public, we were able to quickly locate this individual. Then, thanks to the hard work and determination of our Homicide Unit, we were able to identify and collect the evidence needed to charge him with Murder. I’m extremely proud of this effort.”

Mr. Moreno Castaneda was booked into the Arlington City Jail and has since been transferred to the Tarrant County Jail.

ORIGINAL RELEASE

The Arlington Police Department is now investigating a suspicious death that occurred over the weekend as a homicide. On Sunday, October 30, 2022, at approximately 4:08 a.m., officers responded to the 400 block of N. Cooper Street after a passerby reported seeing a woman lying unresponsive in a parking lot.

First responders found the woman lying face down and bleeding from the head. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.

 The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the victim as 44-year-old Evila Yanes. Following an autopsy, they determined her cause of death was blunt force injuries to the head and ruled her death a homicide.

 It is unclear what caused the injuries to Ms. Yanes’ head. She was found next to a white Nissan Altima with temporary tags. Detectives believe she was either driving or riding in the vehicle prior to her death.

 At this time, there is no suspect information and no arrests have been made. The investigation is ongoing.

 Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Detective Krystallyne Robinson at (817) 459-5935. Tipsters can also remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers of Tarrant County at (817) 469-8477.