Web Desk
BAYTOWN, Texas — A Texas man has been charged with murder after allegedly shooting his fiancé and making disturbing online searches before the crime, authorities said.
Ty Vaughn, 31, was engaged to Luis Banos, 27. The couple lived together in Baytown, a suburb east of Houston.
According to Baytown police, officers responded to a call from Vaughn on January 14, 2025, reporting that he had found Banos dead from a gunshot wound in their apartment.
However, Vaughn’s statements to investigators were inconsistent, raising suspicions.
Detectives ruled Banos’ death a homicide after gathering evidence from the scene.
One key piece of evidence was Vaughn’s online search history. According to KHOU, Vaughn allegedly searched: “Is it illegal to kill an illegal immigrant” before the shooting.
The police statement did not confirm Banos’ immigration status, but the Houston Chronicle reported that Vaughn told authorities Banos was “an illegal.
Further investigation revealed suspicious details at the crime scene. Blood was found on the couple’s bed, though Banos’ body was discovered elsewhere in the apartment.
Prosecutor Michael Hanover told KHOU that this suggested the scene had been tampered with.
Vaughn was arrested and formally charged with murder on March 7.
During Vaughn’s court appearance on Monday, his bond was set at $500,000.
He is currently being held at the Harris County Sheriff’s Department Detention Facility. His next court date is scheduled for April 30.
Baytown police have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing. They urge anyone with information about the case to contact Baytown Crime Stoppers.
