Woman encased boyfriend in Christmas wrapping paper and concrete after shooting him in the face and stabbing him dead: Police

• WHO: Audrey Troncoso, 31, accused; Roland Matthew Sheppard, 34, victim; Mario Valdes Troncoso Jr., 54, accused of tampering.
• WHAT: Alleged shooting, stabbing, dismembering, and concealing of human remains in concrete and a dumpster.
• WHERE: San Angelo, Texas, including a residence on Parker Street and the Apple Tree Apartments on Baker Street.
• WHEN: Anonymous tip received June 24, leading to arrests on the same day.
• STATUS: Audrey Troncoso charged with murder, held on $2 million bond. Mario Valdes Troncoso Jr. charged with tampering with evidence.

A San Angelo, Texas, woman has been arrested and charged with murder after allegedly shooting and stabbing her boyfriend, dismembering his body, and attempting to conceal portions of his remains in concrete and a dumpster, authorities said.

Audrey Troncoso, 31, is accused in the death of 34-year-old Roland Matthew Sheppard, with whom she had a live-in relationship, according to the San Angelo Police Department. Her father, Mario Valdes Troncoso Jr., 54, was also arrested in connection with the alleged attempt to conceal evidence.

What Happened

Law enforcement received an anonymous tip on June 24 regarding the alleged incident. The tipster reportedly witnessed the events unfold the night prior and informed police that Troncoso shot Sheppard in the face and stabbed him multiple times, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by KLST and KSAN. The shooting and initial dismemberment allegedly occurred at a residence on Parker Street.

The affidavit states that the victim's torso was wrapped in Christmas wrapping paper and subsequently placed in a dumpster at the Apple Tree Apartments on Baker Street, approximately five miles from the initial scene. Other remains were reportedly intended for out-of-state disposal. When detectives searched the dumpsters, they discovered that one had already been emptied into a garbage truck. Police intercepted the truck before it reached the landfill.

At the landfill, investigators located a large black trash bag containing silver metallic wrapping. Inside, they found what appeared to be fresh blood, cut tan carpet, and blue jeans, all reportedly soaked with blood and emitting a strong odor. A separate bag contained a dismembered human torso with tattoos reportedly consistent with known images of the victim, according to the affidavit. Following these discoveries, a search warrant was executed at the Parker Street residence, where Audrey Troncoso was detained.

During the search of the Parker Street property, authorities found additional human remains in containers within a red vehicle parked in the driveway. Other remains were reportedly discovered mixed with concrete on the property. In a custodial interview, Troncoso allegedly confessed to shooting Sheppard, stabbing him until his death, and then dismembering his body using knives and a saw. She reportedly described concealing the torso in a trash bag and disposing of it at the apartment dumpster, and then mixing concrete to submerge and hide the remaining body parts, including arms, legs, and the head, in various totes before placing them in the red vehicle.

The Charges Explained

Audrey Troncoso is charged with murder, an offense that in Texas typically refers to intentionally or knowingly causing the death of an individual, or intending to cause serious bodily injury and committing an act clearly dangerous to human life that causes death. Mario Valdes Troncoso Jr. faces a charge of tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, which usually involves altering, destroying, or concealing evidence with the intent to impair its verity or availability for use in an official proceeding.

How These Cases Move Through Court

In Texas, criminal cases, particularly those involving serious felonies like murder, typically begin with an arrest, followed by a magistrate's hearing where the accused is informed of their rights and bond may be set. The case then proceeds to a grand jury, which determines if there is sufficient probable cause to issue an indictment. If an indictment is issued, the defendant is formally charged, and the case moves to district court for arraignment, where they enter a plea. Pre-trial hearings address motions, evidence, and other legal matters. If no plea agreement is reached, the case will go to trial, where a jury or judge will hear evidence and render a verdict. If convicted, a sentencing phase follows. Appeals may be filed after sentencing.

Context & Background

Acts of violence within domestic relationships are a significant public safety concern across the United States. Such crimes often involve complex dynamics and can escalate without intervention. Authorities and victim support organizations emphasize the importance of reporting suspicious activities and seeking help for individuals experiencing or witnessing domestic violence.

Recognizing and Reporting Homicide

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911. For situations involving domestic violence, resources are available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. Tips regarding criminal activity can often be provided anonymously to local law enforcement or, for federal crimes, the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

What Happens Next

Audrey Troncoso remains in custody at the Tom Green County Detention Center on a $2 million bond. Mario Valdes Troncoso Jr. has been charged with tampering with or fabricating physical evidence. The next steps in the legal process will involve further court appearances, including a grand jury review and potential arraignment, as prosecutors continue to build their case.