Nancy Ayala, 32, a mother of four from Mesquite, Texas, was shot at her Franklin Drive apartment in the early hours of September 1, 2024. Some of her children were reportedly present during the attack. She was taken to Baylor Hospital, underwent multiple surgeries, and died of her injuries on September 7, 2024.

Authorities have named Ayala’s long-term boyfriend, 25-year-old Samuel Tovar, as the primary suspect. Tovar, a Mexican national and father of one of her children, fled the scene after the shooting. Surveillance footage from the apartment complex reportedly showed Tovar holding a gun during the incident. Family members described a tumultuous relationship with frequent arguments and prior physical abuse; Ayala had reportedly expressed concerns about his behavior in the weeks before the shooting. Law enforcement believes Tovar may have gone to Mexico and is working with international partners to locate him.

Ayala’s family is seeking justice and asks anyone with information about Tovar’s whereabouts to contact the Mesquite Police Department. Does anyone have information that could help investigators locate Samuel Tovar?