In a grim conclusion to a multi-agency search that spanned nearly two months, Alabama authorities confirmed Thursday the recovery of remains believed to be a missing mother and her two young children. The victims—Aurelia Choc Cac, 40, Niurka Zuleta Choc, 17, and 2-year-old Anthony Garcia Choc—had been missing since late January.
Juan Carlos Argueta Guerra, 31, who has been in custody since February 9, now faces multiple counts of capital murder. Mobile County District Attorney Keith Blackwood announced during a press briefing that his office intends to seek the death penalty, describing the killings as “horrific” and “gruesome.”
Evidence of a Violent Struggle
The investigation began on Jan. 31, after a neighbor reported the family missing from their Mobile County residence. Responding deputies discovered a scene of extreme violence; investigators noted a missing mattress and significant blood evidence inside the home, indicating a struggle had occurred.
Following an exhaustive search involving the Mobile County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI, the remains were located Thursday in Summerdale, Baldwin County. According to a criminal complaint, the bodies were found buried and wrapped in plastic and bedding…