LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Monica Garcia,

District Attorney Isidro R. Alaniz and Melinda Vidaurri; the Chief Prosecutor for the Domestic Violence Unit, met with the grand jury in the newly formed criminal court for the 111^th District Court.  There, the District Attorney and Vidaurri presented the case of Francisco De Hoyos Moncada.

 On March 14, 2011, neighbors called police to report a domestic disturbance coming from the De Hoyos apartment on Elm Street.  The neighbors reportedly saw De Hoyos flee his apartment with his two daughters, leaving his young son behind.  Neighbors reportedly grabbed the young boy and took him into their own apartment for his own safety as they had reportedly seen the young boy’s clothing stained with blood.

 Responding officers from the Laredo Police Department arrived on the scene to find De Hoyos’ wife; Alma De Hoyos, dead inside the apartment.  At this time, it is believed that Francisco De Hoyos is hiding in Mexico and all three of the couples’ children are now in the custody of their maternal grandmother in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. 

 With this indictment, Francisco De Hoyos  is now formally charged with the first degree murder of his wife.  If captured, De Hoyos faces between five and ninety-nine years or life in prison. 

 A search of Webb County’s database shows that De Hoyos’ only arrest was in April of 2010 for a misdemeanor assault involving his wife.  In that case, Assistant District Attorney Vidaurri reports that it was the victim’s sister that notified police and, unfortunately, despite De Hoyos’ abusive tendencies, the victim continued to live with him.  Vidaurri says that “in far too many domestic violence cases, the intensity of the violence can escalate and yet the victim remains with the abuser”.    

 According to Melinda Vidaurri, the Chief Prosecutor for the Domestic Violence Unit, it is not uncommon for women to remain with their abusers.  “It may be difficult for many of us to comprehend why anyone would choose to remain with their abuser, but oftentimes these women feel they might be deported, lose their children and the opportunities their children have in this country.  Financially, they are afraid that they cannot make it without the support of their abuser.  Sometimes, they tolerate the pain because they truly love their abusers.”      ]

 District Attorney Alaniz expresses that there are services and a way out for victims of domestic violence.  “We have two counselors on staff to serve victims of domestic violence and we work closely with service providers such as Casa Misericordia.  There are misconceptions and barriers that prevent victims from coming forward but groups like the Domestic Violence Coalition and others are working to educate the community.  Education and outreach are vital to making victims aware that the prospect of life without your economic security may be daunting but you cannot put a price on personal safety.”