HOUSTON, TX – A Houston man is facing murder charges after authorities say he waited outside his girlfriend’s workplace late Saturday night, confronted her, and then chased her into the restaurant before repeatedly stabbing her to death.
Santos Hernandez Cornejo, 53, is accused of killing 50-year-old Argelia Diaz Maya just after midnight at the Burnin’ Shell restaurant, according to court documents. Maya, who worked as a dishwasher, was attacked as her shift ended.
Investigators allege that Hernandez Cornejo lay in wait for Maya, concealing a knife in his waistband. When Maya walked out of the restaurant, the two argued, prompting her to run back inside in an attempt to escape. Hernandez Cornejo followed her and, according to police, stabbed her multiple times. Paramedics pronounced Maya dead at the scene.
After fleeing the area, Hernandez Cornejo later surrendered to police. During questioning, he reportedly acknowledged responsibility for the attack. Authorities say he told investigators that he became suspicious of Maya and had installed both a GPS tracker on her car and a recording device in her bedroom prior to the killing.
Surveillance footage from the area reportedly shows Hernandez Cornejo discarding the bloody knife in a nearby field. Officers later recovered the weapon, which is being held as evidence.
Police characterized the attack as both methodical and violent. Records show that Hernandez Cornejo, a citizen of El Salvador who has been living in Houston for nearly 20 years, is currently subject to an immigration hold.
The initial bond for Hernandez Cornejo was set at $350,000, but court records indicate it was subsequently reduced to $50,000. Hernandez Cornejo remains in custody as the legal process continues.
A preliminary court date has been scheduled for Aug. 19, when Hernandez Cornejo is expected to appear to face charges related to Maya’s death.
Family, friends, and community members have expressed shock and grief over the violent incident, as authorities urge anyone struggling with domestic issues to seek support resources. Investigation into the circumstances leading up to the fatal confrontation is ongoing.