‘Can I Kill an Illegal Human?’: Texas Man Allegedly Kills Fiancée, Stages Suicide

Authorities in Texas have arrested 31-year-old Ty Vaughn on charges of murder in connection with the death of his fiancée, 27-year-old Luis Banos Norberto. The incident took place on January 14 at an apartment complex in Baytown, near Houston, and has drawn significant scrutiny from both law enforcement and the public.

According to an arrest affidavit obtained by ABC affiliate KTRK, Vaughn is accused of fatally shooting Norberto in the face. Following the shooting, Vaughn allegedly moved the victim’s body in an attempt to stage the scene as a suicide. Disturbingly, throughout the investigation, Vaughn repeatedly insisted that Norberto was an undocumented immigrant—a claim that has raised questions about his motives. Neighbors and surveillance footage contradict Vaughn’s account; while he claimed to have returned home after 5:30 a.m. to find the body, video evidence indicates he arrived closer to 4 a.m., and witnesses reported hearing a gunshot shortly thereafter.

In a particularly chilling detail, at approximately 4:30 a.m., Vaughn is reported to have texted the victim with messages questioning why he was not responding, despite the evident tragedy. It is further reported that Vaughn delayed calling 911 until nearly 90 minutes after the shooting, during which time he told dispatchers, “My spouse is dead. Help. My life is over.”

Officers later discovered Norberto’s body on a bed, with a lever-action rifle propped against his arm and a torn photograph of him and Vaughn nearby. A search of Vaughn’s phone revealed that he had conducted a disturbing Google search asking, “Can I kill an illegal human,” which has only intensified public outrage.

Vaughn’s case now awaits further proceedings, and he is currently held at Harris County Jail on a $500,000 bond. His court date is scheduled for Monday. Luis Banos Norberto, who was born in Guerrero, Mexico, leaves behind family in Baytown who are mourning the loss of a life that ended so tragically.