A man from Texas has been accused of murder in the tragic death of his fiancé after reportedly searching online for the legal consequences of a “legal citizen” killing an “illegal immigrant,” as per court documents. Ty Vaughn, 31, is now facing charges in the murder of Luis David Banos Norberto, 21, following the discovery of Banos’ body in a Baytown, Texas, apartment nearly two months ago.
According to information presented in a court filing related to bond, Vaughn conducted a detailed internet search to understand the legal implications of a “legal citizen” killing an “illegal immigrant.” The Baytown Police Department announced Vaughn’s arrest on Friday in connection to Banos’ death on January 14, whom they identified as Vaughn’s fiancé. The police revealed that Banos was found with a gunshot wound to the head and Vaughn was taken into custody for questioning.
The court documents allege that Banos was shot in the face with a lever-action rifle and the crime scene was staged to appear as a suicide. Vaughn, identified as a U.S. Army veteran with an honorable discharge, provided conflicting statements during the investigation. He claimed that following an argument on Friday, he left the apartment to visit his mother and returned later in an intoxicated state. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots around the time of Vaughn’s return.
Vaughn’s bond was set at $500,000 with the condition of wearing a GPS monitor if released, and an arraignment hearing is scheduled for April 30. His court-appointed attorney, Inger Chandler, emphasized Vaughn’s presumption of innocence and stated that cases are often more complex than they initially appear. Chandler mentioned that Vaughn was deeply saddened by the loss of Banos and had plans to marry him.
Banos, originally from Guerrero, Mexico, is fondly remembered in an online obituary, highlighting the impact of his volunteer work and the love his family had for him. A GoFundMe page set up by a cousin in January on behalf of Banos’ mother described the family’s devastation over his passing.
