Bessy Ayala, 39, was found dead in her Houston apartment at 1370 Afton Street on April 9, 2023. Family members who checked on her that evening discovered signs of a struggle in the living room, and Ayala’s 12-year-old son found her in the bedroom with multiple gunshot wounds to the chest. Neighbors reported hearing gunshots between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. that day, suggesting the shooting occurred earlier than when her body was discovered. Her blue Honda Accord was missing from the scene.

Houston police identified Ayala’s ex-boyfriend, 29-year-old Edwin Gerardo Galdamez-Alas, as the primary suspect. He was arrested on April 13, 2023, and charged with murder and tampering with evidence; court documents allege he shot Ayala multiple times and attempted to conceal the firearm. Bonds were set totaling $180,000 and he remains in custody awaiting trial. Ayala’s family, originally from Honduras, described profound grief and called for justice.

If anyone knew Bessy, saw her blue Honda Accord around April 9, 2023, or has information about the case, please come forward.