Dallas police discovered the body of 17‑year‑old Maya Torres on Feb. 22 in Oak Grove Park, sparking a citywide hunt for the suspect behind the brutal slaying.
Background
Detectives were called to the scene after a jogger reported a blood‑stained hoodie near a playground. Torres, a senior at Dallas High, had been reported missing the previous evening after failing to return from a study group. A preliminary autopsy confirmed she died from multiple stab wounds to the torso. Surveillance footage from a nearby convenience store captured a lone figure matching the description of a young Hispanic male lingering near the park moments before the discovery. The Dallas Police Department later enlisted the FBI’s Violent Crime Unit to assist with forensic analysis and to trace the suspect’s digital footprint.
The Charges
On Feb. 24, Dallas Police Department, in coordination with the Texas Department of Public Safety, arrested 19‑year‑old Jaden Morales, a former classmate of Torres, alleging that he was allegedly responsible for her murder. Morales is charged with capital murder, tampering with evidence, and unlawful possession of a weapon. The case is being handled by the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office, and Morales is being held without bail pending a preliminary hearing scheduled for March 5.
Key Takeaways
- Maya Torres, 17, was found dead with multiple stab wounds in Oak Grove Park.
- Jaden Morales, 19, was arrested and charged with capital murder and related offenses.
- Forensic analysis linked Morales’ DNA to a discarded glove found near the victim.
- The investigation involved Dallas PD, Texas DPS, the FBI’s Violent Crime Unit, and the Dallas County DA’s Office.
- A preliminary hearing is set for March 5 in Dallas County Court.
What's Next
The district attorney will present the forensic evidence at the March 5 hearing, where a judge will decide whether to bind Morales over for trial. If the case proceeds, a trial date is expected in the summer, and the defense is likely to file motions challenging the admissibility of the surveillance footage. Meanwhile, Torres’ family has organized a candlelight vigil and is urging the community to remain vigilant for any additional leads.