Man Charged In Sister-In-Law’s Murder Was Previously Deported In 2012: Feds

HOUSTON, TX — A man who is accused in the capital murder of his sister-in-law last month faced a judge on Monday. Moises Rodriguez Ayala, 25, was charged with capital murder in the April slaying of Zuleika Hernandez, 23, who, according to a KPRC report, was married to Ayala's brother, Antonio Ayala.

Family members who were concerned about Hernandez’s welfare after not hearing from her for several days discovered Hernandez’s body inside her home in the 6600 block of Sherwood Drive on April 24. (Want to get daily updates about news and other events going on in your area? Sign up for the free Houston Patch morning newsletter.)

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Prosecutors in the case said Ayala was angry that Hernandez had his brother detained by immigration officials in March, and that he broke into her home and beat Hernandez to death, according to a Houston Chronicle report.

According to witness statements, Hernandez was seen arriving home on April 22 in a black SUV, between 4:30 and 5 p.m. and trying to get her dogs back inside her yard.

Investigators in the case said they found blood in several rooms of the house, and that Hernandez had fought her attacker.

Prosecutors in the case said Hernandez, her husband and his brother all had a violent past.

Prosecutors said Ayala admitted to killing Hernandez, and to stealing his brother’s pickup and tools, and had hoped to sell the tools, KPRC reported.

Federal officials with Immigration and Customs Enforcement placed an immigration detainer on Ayala on Tuesday because he is an undocumented immigrant.

Ayala, who is a native of El Salvador, was last deported from the U.S. in July 2012.

Ayala is being held in the Harris County Jail without bond.

Image: Shutterstock

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