FIRST ON FOX: Two women allegedly murdered by an illegal immigrant in Texas six years apart should still be alive, the Department of Homeland Security said Wednesday.
Luis Fernando Benítez-González, 26, a Mexican citizen, is linked to the murders of 34-year-old Alyssa Ann Rivera in Austin and 28-year-old Alba Jenisse Aviles in Bastrop County, authorities said. He was arrested in Dallas April 27 by U.S. Marshals and other law enforcement agencies.
"This illegal alien from Mexico is accused of murdering two women in Texas," said DHS acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. "He has also been arrested for charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of dangerous drugs.
"Alba Jenisse Aviles and Alyssa Ann Rivera should still be alive today."
Benítez-González was charged with first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to jail records in Travis County, where he is being held. He also has a previous drug possession charge, according to DHS.
He was connected to the killings through DNA evidence, authorities said.
Aviles was murdered April 14, 2018; her body was discovered by a passing motorist. She was last seen alive at Club Caribe in Austin with an unidentified Hispanic man.
Bastrop County detectives found evidence that Aviles had been dragged, strangled and assaulted, noting mud on her clothing and feet, bruising on her neck, chin and lip, and blood on her face and the exterior of her car.
Detectives also found one of her earrings 10 feet away from the vehicle, Dallas Police Department and the Dallas County Sheriff's Office for further comment.