Best Friend of Murdered Texas Mother Tormented by Missed Call Minutes Before Fatal Stabbing

A close friend of a Texas mother who was brutally stabbed to death in broad daylight has revealed her deep regret over missing a phone call from her just moments before the attack. According to authorities, 32-year-old Caroline “Caro” Peña called her best friend Christina Salinas around 1:35 p.m. on Thursday, but the call went unanswered — only minutes before Peña was allegedly killed in Del Rio, Texas.

Salinas, who had been friends with Peña for eight years, told KHOU that the two women typically spoke every morning to check in with each other. “I feel like if I would have answered that call, honestly I would have been there with her,” she said. “It wouldn’t have gotten like that.”

The adult daycare worker described how she would often call Peña as early as 5:30 a.m. when she needed someone to talk to. “I know that if I would have gotten out of work a few minutes earlier, I wouldn’t have let you gone down alone, and you know that. My heart hurts, B. You’re gone but not forgotten,” she wrote in an emotional online post.

Salinas shared a photograph of the pair smiling together in a car — what turned out to be the last image of the best friends together, taken just days before the tragedy. She recounted seeing Peña before she was airlifted to the hospital, describing the heartbreaking final moments before her friend was taken away for treatment.

Salinas said she recognized Peña in graphic images circulating online by her distinctive hairstyle. “Her hair was in the same bun,” she recalled. “When I saw that, that’s all I needed to see was the back of her shirt. I knew it was her right off the bat.”

The loss has left Salinas devastated. “It’s like a part of me got ripped out and that’s something I’m not going to get back,” she said. “No matter how much justice is being served, I still don’t have my friend here alive with me.”

She also shared Ring doorbell footage of what would be Peña’s last visit to her home. “This is what I’m going to miss you coming to my house and we would just eat, laugh, and chill,” she wrote on Facebook. “I wish it was all a dream.”

Police arrested sisters Kitty Mia Diaz, 21, and Amaya “Cookie” Diaz, 19, along with their friend Kyandra Renee Faz, 21, in connection with the killing. All three have been charged with murder.

Chilling video footage showed a scantily clad Kitty Diaz grinning as she was escorted to a police cruiser, while her younger sister appeared in a “happy mood,” according to independent journalist Michael Elizondo. “All of the sudden I see the window go down, and the girl was sticking out her face, sticking out her tongue and goofing off,” he told The Post.

Details about the motive behind the attack have not been publicly released by authorities. The investigation continues as police work to piece together the circumstances leading to the fatal confrontation.

Another friend of Peña, Zelina Ochoa, expressed shock at the brazen nature of the daylight attack. “This wasn’t something that happened in a back alley,” she told KENS 5. “This happened at the corner near Sonic on one of our busiest roads in broad daylight.”

Ochoa and Peña became close as teenage mothers, supporting each other through the challenges of early parenthood. She described Peña as an incredibly generous person who would give whatever she had to help others. “If you needed something and she had it, even if it was her last, she’d give it to you,” Ochoa recalled.

A GoFundMe campaign created to support Peña’s family has raised more than $5,000 as of Tuesday, June 30. The community’s response reflects the impact Peña had on those around her and the sympathy felt for her grieving loved ones.

The three suspects were taken into custody shortly after the incident. Police located and arrested Kitty Mia Diaz and Amaya “Cookie” Diaz around 4 p.m. Thursday without incident. Kyandra Renee Faz was apprehended a short time later. All three were processed at the Del Rio Police Department before being transferred to the GEO Correctional Facility.

The investigation remains active, with authorities still working to establish a clear motive for the attack. They have not ruled out the involvement of additional individuals, and more charges could be filed as the case develops.

For Salinas, the pain of losing her best friend is compounded by the haunting thought that answering that final call might have changed everything. Her words reflect the universal experience of wondering if different actions could have altered a tragic outcome.

The community of Del Rio has been deeply affected by the incident, with many residents expressing disbelief that such violence could occur in broad daylight on a busy street. The public nature of the attack has only intensified the shock and calls for justice.

Peña’s friends have made it clear that they want her remembered for how she lived — as a devoted mother, loyal friend, and generous person who helped others whenever she could. Their tributes paint a picture of a woman who touched many lives despite facing her own challenges.

As the legal process moves forward against the three suspects, the focus remains on supporting Peña’s five children and other family members as they begin the difficult process of grieving and adjusting to life without her. The community’s continued support will be crucial during this challenging time.

The case has highlighted the importance of community vigilance and the need for effective systems to protect vulnerable individuals. The fact that the attack occurred in such a visible location has prompted questions about public safety and response times.

Salinas’ decision to speak publicly about her friend reflects both her grief and her desire to honor Peña’s memory. Her emotional words have resonated with many who have experienced similar losses and understand the complex feelings of regret and sorrow that follow sudden, violent deaths.

The investigation continues as authorities work to determine all factors that contributed to this tragic outcome. The release of information has been measured, with police carefully managing details while the case remains active.

For the family and friends of Caroline Peña, the pain of her loss will be a part of their lives forever. Their courage in facing this tragedy publicly while maintaining their privacy in other aspects deserves respect and support from the community.

The story of Peña’s life and tragic death has touched many beyond her immediate circle. Her friends’ descriptions of her generosity and caring nature have helped paint a fuller picture of the person behind the headlines.

As the case moves through the justice system, the public’s attention will likely remain focused on developments and the ongoing support for Peña’s family. The hope is that justice will be served and that lessons can be learned to help prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The community’s response has included both shock at the circumstances and concern for all those affected. Support services are working to help the children heal while the legal system determines accountability for the adults involved.

This tragic case serves as a sobering reminder of how hidden struggles within families can sometimes go unnoticed until a crisis brings them to light. The loss of a mother of five has created a significant void in her family and community that will be felt for years to come.