- Kitty Mia Diaz's bond was reduced from $5.05 million to $2 million after a court hearing in Del Rio, Texas.
- Diaz is charged with murder and evidence tampering in the fatal stabbing of Caroline 'Caro' Peña.
- Surveillance footage allegedly shows Diaz and her sister attacking Peña, who later died from her injuries.
DEL RIO, TEXAS — A judge has reduced the bond for one of three women accused in the fatal stabbing of Caroline “Caro” Peña, marking the latest court development in a case that has drawn widespread attention in Del Rio.
Kitty Mia Diaz, 21, appeared before 63rd Judicial District Judge Roland Andrade on Wednesday, July 22, seeking release on a personal recognizance bond or a reduction of the amount required for her release.
Andrade reduced her combined bond from $5.05 million to $2 million. He set bond at $1 million on the murder charge and another $1 million on a charge of tampering with evidence. Diaz was returned to custody following the hearing.
Judge Sets Conditions for Possible Release
Diaz’s attorney argued that the original bond was excessive and beyond her client’s financial means.
Prosecutors opposed a major reduction, pointing to the violent nature of the allegations and the lengthy prison sentence Diaz could face if convicted.
The judge ruled that Diaz would be required to remain under home confinement, wear an electronic ankle monitor, submit to drug and alcohol testing, and avoid contact with her co-defendants and Peña’s family if she is able to post bond.
Detective Describes Diaz’s Alleged Role
During the hearing, Del Rio Police Detective Darian Castro testified about evidence gathered in the investigation.
Castro said surveillance footage showed Diaz driving herself and her younger sister, Amaya “Cookie” Diaz, to the home where Peña was attacked in the 800 block of East 10th Street.
Both sisters allegedly left the vehicle and approached Peña. Castro testified that Kitty Diaz struck Peña during the assault but was not the person seen stabbing her.
Police also recovered a weapon believed to have been used in the attack, according to the detective.
Castro said Diaz did not call 911 or attempt to help Peña after she was injured.
Diaz Also Charged With Evidence Tampering
Diaz is charged with murder, which is classified as a first-degree felony under Texas law, and tampering with evidence, a third-degree felony.
Court records allege that Diaz and her sister had changed clothes and recently showered by the time officers arrived at their home following the attack.
Investigators reportedly found clothing matching what Kitty Diaz was seen wearing in the surveillance footage inside a washing machine, leading to the additional tampering allegation.
Surveillance Video Allegedly Captured Attack
The fatal confrontation happened on Thursday, June 25.
Del Rio police were contacted at approximately 2:10 p.m. after Peña arrived at Val Verde Regional Medical Center suffering from multiple stab wounds.
Investigators determined that she had been attacked outside a home in the 800 block of East 10th Street. The confrontation reportedly continued into a neighboring yard.
Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators allegedly showed Amaya Diaz leaving the passenger side of a black Chrysler 300 and confronting Peña while holding an object police believed was a knife.
Amaya allegedly struck Peña in the back before Kitty Diaz and Kyandra Renee Faz joined the physical assault.
The case came just over a month after a 10-year-old boy was charged with murder in the fatal stabbing of 13-year-old Riley DeArmas in Houston.
Peña Died After Transfer to San Antonio
Peña was initially treated at Val Verde Regional Medical Center before being transferred to a hospital in San Antonio because of the severity of her injuries.
Authorities were notified at approximately 9 p.m. that she had died.
Peña was 32 and the mother of five children. Friends remembered her as a devoted mother who regularly helped others in her community.
Three Women Face Murder Charges
Police arrested Kitty Diaz and Amaya Diaz approximately two hours after the hospital first reported the stabbing. Faz was taken into custody a short time later.
All three women were charged with murder following Peña’s death. Their initial bonds were set at $5 million each.
No bond reduction has been publicly reported for Amaya Diaz or Faz.
Police have not released a confirmed motive for the attack, although authorities have said Peña knew the accused women and that the killing was not believed to have been random.
The charges remain allegations. Kitty Diaz, Amaya Diaz, and Kyandra Faz are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
For more cases involving deadly stabbings, young suspects, and murder investigations, check out our video here:
