Two Men Charged in Northeast Austin Homicide after Video Links them to Scene

Wed, 19 Jun 2024

Arrests Made in May 22 Shooting Death of Wilfredo Benitez-Jimenez

Authorities in Austin, have arrested and charged two men in connection with a brutal homicide that occurred last month. The pair, identified as Carlos J. Maldonado and Victor Antonio Maldonado Villalobos, face charges related to the shooting death of Wilfredo Benitez-Jimenez, 35, at the Villas de la Plaza apartment complex in northeast Austin.

Technology Aids in Arrests

Following the crime, apartment security video, eyewitness accounts, and cell phone location data were crucial in identifying Maldonado and Villalobos as suspects in the homicide. The video surveillance showed two men, matching the descriptions of Maldonado and Villalobos, walking to and from Benitez-Jimenez’s apartment at approximately the same time neighbours reported hearing gunshots.

Confessions and Charges

Upon the arrest of Maldonado on June 12th, at his residence in Pflugerville, he admitted to being one of the men in the security footage. He further implicated Villalobos—who resides with him—as the second man seen in the video. Maldonado revealed to investigators that they had gone to Benitez-Jimenez’s apartment because they felt threatened by him and decided on a preemptive action.

While Maldonado’s statement indicates that Villalobos was likely the trigger man, according to Texas law, both men will face murder charges as they are believed to have jointly planned and executed the lethal act.

Police Appeal for Further Information

Despite making the arrests, the Austin Police Department continues to solicit for additional information that may shed more light on the case. Those with any tips or leads are encouraged to contact APD’s homicide tip line at 512-477-3588.