Diamond Samantha Cruz, a 21-year-old mother from Tyler, Texas, was found dead on the morning of August 9, 2020, at a home on the 8700 block of County Road 384. Born May 31, 1999, in McAllen, Texas, she was a devoted mother to two young children, Adali and Nathaniel, and was described as warm and always smiling. She had been homeschooled and completed coursework through Penn Foster.

Investigators determined Diamond had been shot. A manhunt followed for her partner and the father of her children, Catalino Castillo Marin Jr., who was arrested later the same day. Marin told authorities the gun discharged during a fight, but investigators noted inconsistencies in his account and observed his apparent lack of remorse during interviews.

Diamond’s mother, Dalila Lopez Morales, said Diamond had been a victim of abuse and urged more resources for domestic violence victims. The family mourned her loss while hoping others would be encouraged to speak up. If anyone knew Diamond or has information about what happened, please come forward.