SAN ANTONIO – A tragic incident unfolded in San Antonio when police arrested a 21-year-old man named Aaron Arocha after he admitted to shooting and killing 44-year-old Sheri Tolosa at a residence on Donaldson Avenue.
Arocha has been charged with murder following the events that transpired this past Monday. According to the police affidavit, Arocha’s aunt, who was out of town, was informed by a relative that Arocha had allegedly shot someone at the family home.
Initially, police arrived at the house but did not find any signs of distress and left. However, later that day, the niece of the original 911 caller requested the officers return due to concerns over the inability to contact Arocha or Tolosa.
When officers re-entered the home, they discovered Tolosa in the kitchen, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Sadly, she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Evidence at the scene included five shell casings, which indicated that Tolosa was likely trying to escape from Arocha, running from the dining room into the kitchen while holding a bag of food.
Arocha was later booked into the Bexar County Adult Detention Center, with a bond set at $500,000.
Details from Police Interviews
In interviews with police, the niece shared that her uncle had disclosed to her the day before the police found Tolosa’s body that Arocha had shot someone at the home. The aunt supported her claims when she spoke with the authorities.
During their conversations, Arocha sent a video to his aunt, showcasing what he claimed was a bruise on his knee, suggesting that Tolosa was responsible for his injury. Afterward, he expressed love and remorse for her in a phone call, right before hanging up.
By Monday morning, Arocha was tracked down in Houston while on his way back to San Antonio. He was arrested on unrelated charges on Tuesday. During questioning, Arocha claimed he did not know anything about Tolosa’s death.
Evidence Found in the Suspect’s Vehicle
Investigators executed a search warrant for Arocha’s vehicle, where they discovered a box of .380 caliber rounds in the center console. These rounds matched the type found at the crime scene.
A second uncle of Arocha reported that Arocha had called him after the shooting, mentioning a desire to meet in person. During their meeting, Arocha claimed that Santa Muerte compelled him to kill Tolosa and confessed to shooting her in the face multiple times.
When asked if Tolosa had done anything to deserve her fate, Arocha replied “no,” according to the affidavit. The uncle advised him to turn himself in, but Arocha refused, instead planning to flee to Arizona.
Understanding Santa Muerte
Santa Muerte is a figure deeply ingrained in Latin American culture, often associated with death and the afterlife. While some view her as a protective figure, she is also connected to organized crime and marginalized communities, including the LGBTQ+ population.
Experts, like Dr. Malgorzata Oleszkiewicz-Peralba from the University of Texas at San Antonio, note that while Santa Muerte is linked to illicit activities, her significance extends beyond that stereotype. Dr. Sean Viña from the University of the Incarnate Word emphasizes that many who revere Santa Muerte do not engage in criminal behavior, highlighting the complexities of her worship.
As the case unfolds, Arocha is scheduled to appear in court on July 14, and the community is left grappling with the tragic loss of Sheri Tolosa.
