Breanna Wood was 21 when she was murdered in Corpus Christi, Texas, on October 18, 2016. Her mother, Fallon Wood, reported her missing that day. Investigators found Breanna’s body in an abandoned house off State Highway 666 and State Highway 1833, wrapped in plastic inside a box. The autopsy confirmed a gunshot wound to the back of the head; she also had both arms broken and other injuries investigators said matched a jail inmate’s statement that Joseph Tejeda had confessed.

Joseph Tejeda was arrested and charged with capital murder. Six other people were indicted in connection with the crime, including Sandra Vasquez, who faced capital murder and organized criminal activity counts. The prosecution was delayed by the pandemic, a recusal of the district attorney’s office, defense counsel changes and other motions. In August 2023 Tejeda pleaded guilty to murder, burglary with intent to commit aggravated robbery, and assault on a public servant; he received concurrent prison terms. Tejeda’s mother had a tampering charge dismissed as part of that plea.

The case remains subject to a gag order while Sandra Vasquez’s trial is pending. If anyone knew Breanna or has information about what happened, please share what can help the ongoing process.