A Texas woman is behind bars after authorities say she shot her live-in boyfriend in the face, stabbed him repeatedly until he died, and then dismembered his body while hiding portions of his remains across San Angelo, including wrapping his torso in Christmas wrapping paper before dumping it in a dumpster.
Background
Roland Matthew Sheppard, 34, was killed inside a residence on Parker Street in San Angelo, Texas, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by KLST and KSAN, local CBS and NBC affiliates. His girlfriend of unspecified duration, Audrey Troncoso, 31, has been identified as the sole suspect in his death.
The timeline of events began unraveling when law enforcement received an anonymous tip on June 24 that led to Troncoso's arrest and booking at the Tom Green County Detention Center later that same day. The tipster told police they witnessed the entire gruesome incident unfold the night before authorities were contacted, according to charging documents.
Detectives learned from the witness that the shooting occurred at the Parker Street residence where Sheppard was subsequently dismembered. Following the killing, Troncoso allegedly transported portions of the victim's remains across town, while other parts were concealed in concrete mixtures back at the scene of the crime.
The Investigation
According to authorities, Troncoso allegedly shot Sheppard in the face and stabbed him multiple times before using "several knives and a saw" to dismember his body. She reportedly confessed to these actions during a custodial interview with detectives.
The victim's torso was wrapped in Christmas wrapping paper and placed inside a large black trash bag tied at the top with a red tie, authorities said. That bag was then deposited into a dumpster at the Apple Tree Apartments on Baker Street, approximately five miles from where Sheppard was killed.
When police searched the apartment complex dumpsters, they discovered one had already been emptied into a garbage truck. Officers redirected the vehicle from its route to a landfill, where investigators located the bag containing Sheppard's torso with visible tattoos matching known photographs of the victim, according to the affidavit.
Inside the bag, detectives found silver shiny metallic wrapping surrounding additional items. Under that wrapping, investigators discovered "copious amounts of red liquid that appeared to be fresh blood" along with cut tan carpet and a pair of blue jeans soaked in blood, the charging document stated. One detective noted the items "smelled of fresh blood."
Police executed a search warrant at the Parker Street residence where Troncoso was detained. Inside, officers discovered human remains stored in containers within a red vehicle parked in the driveway. Additional "obvious human remains mixed with concrete" were found elsewhere on the property.
During her interview, Troncoso allegedly explained how she mixed concrete at the Parker house to "submerge and conceal the remaining body parts belonging to the decedent in various totes." The victim's arms, legs, and head were all placed in concrete mixtures before being transferred to the red vehicle for what authorities believe was intended out-of-state disposal.
Earlier that same afternoon on June 24, Troncoso's father, Mario Valdes Troncoso Jr., 54, was also arrested on one count of tampering with or fabricating physical evidence. He allegedly assisted his daughter in concealing Sheppard's remains.
Key Takeaways
- Audrey Troncoso, 31, has been charged with one count of murder for the death of Roland Matthew Sheppard, 34
- Police say she shot Sheppard in the face, stabbed him multiple times, and dismembered his body using knives and a saw
- She allegedly wrapped his torso in Christmas wrapping paper before dumping it in an apartment complex dumpster five miles away
- The victim's arms, legs, and head were encased in concrete mixtures and placed in a vehicle for disposal
- Troncoso's father, Mario Valdes Troncoso Jr., 54, was arrested for allegedly helping conceal evidence
- Police discovered Sheppard's remains after redirecting a garbage truck to a landfill following an anonymous tip
What's Next
Troncoso is being held at the Tom Green County Detention Center on a $2 million bond. She faces a single murder charge in connection with Sheppard's death. Her father, Mario Valdes Troncoso Jr., also remains in custody on the evidence tampering charge.
Detectives continue to investigate the full scope of the alleged crimes and may pursue additional charges as the case develops. Court dates for both defendants have not yet been set. The investigation is being conducted by the San Angelo Police Department.