Crime
Victims killed in Castle Hayne shooting identified
The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office (NHCSO) has released further details regarding a tragic domestic violence incident that occurred Sunday morning in Castle Hayne, North Carolina.
Deputies responded to a residence on Bowman Drive around 9:00 a.m. on April 7 following reports of multiple gunshots.
Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered 35-year-old Aurora Rosendo-Ortega deceased from an apparent gunshot wound.
Inside the home, deputies also located 18-year-old Santiago Pacheco-Rosendo, who was suffering from a non-life-threatening gunshot injury.
He was transported to Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center for treatment and has since been released.
During a continued search of the residence, deputies found Avelino Jaimes-Acuna with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
He was also transported to the hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
According to the NHCSO, the investigation determined that Avelino Jaimes-Acuna forcibly entered the home and fatally shot Aurora Rosendo-Ortega before turning the weapon on himself.
The incident has been classified as a murder-suicide driven by domestic violence.
Authorities confirmed that Jaimes-Acuna and Ortega had previously been in a relationship.
In a statement, NHCSO said:
“Avelino Jaimes-Acuna broke into the home and murdered Aurora Rosendo-Ortega before taking his own life. Santiago Pacheco-Rosendo was shot while attempting to intervene and help Aurora Rosendo-Ortega.”
The sheriff’s office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and encourages anyone affected by domestic violence to seek help from local resources.
Crime
24-Year-Old Jose Alfredo Soto Navarrete Jr Dies in Fatal Jeep Incident in Midland, Christian Rojelio Zubia Arrested
MIDLAND, Texas — Jose Alfredo Soto Navarrete Jr., a 24-year-old man from Odessa, died after an incident involving a Jeep Wrangler in Midland on Thursday night, October 8, 2026. The driver, a 30-year-old Odessa man, was later arrested and charged with manslaughter, according to the Midland Police Department.
Police said officers responded at approximately 10:46 p.m. Thursday to a reported crash involving a 2018 Jeep Wrangler and a pedestrian in the 1700 block of Rankin Highway.
During the preliminary investigation, witnesses told authorities that Soto Navarrete had jumped onto the hood of a black Jeep Wrangler. Investigators allege that the driver accelerated while turning southbound, causing Soto Navarrete to fall from the vehicle and sustain fatal injuries.
Authorities identified the driver as Christian Rojelio Zubia, 30, of Odessa.
According to police, Zubia left the scene after the incident. Officers later located him with assistance from the Odessa Police Department.
Zubia was arrested and charged with manslaughter in connection with Soto Navarrete’s death. The charge is an allegation, and the case will proceed through the legal system.
The Midland Police Department is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident, including the events leading up to Soto Navarrete’s fall from the Jeep.
Authorities have not released further details about what prompted the encounter or whether additional charges may be considered.
Police confirmed that Soto Navarrete’s next of kin has been notified of his death.
Soto Navarrete’s death has left his family and loved ones grieving. His passing serves as a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly a dangerous incident can result in a fatal outcome.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information may be released as authorities continue reviewing the case.