Texas Woman Accused of Killing and Dismembering Partner as Father Allegedly Helped Dispose of Remains
A disturbing homicide investigation in Texas has escalated into a case that police describe as one of the most violent they have handled in recent memory, after a woman was accused of killing her live-in partner and allegedly dismembering his body with help from her father.
Authorities in San Angelo say 31-year-old Audrey Troncoso has been charged with murder in the death of 34-year-old Roland Matthew Sheppard. Her father, 54-year-old Mario Valdes Troncoso Jr., is also facing charges for allegedly helping dispose of the victimās remains as investigators uncovered evidence scattered across a dumpster, a garbage truck, and eventually a landfill.
The case began unfolding on June 24 after police received an anonymous tip suggesting a possible homicide had taken place inside a home on Parker Street. What started as a welfare check quickly turned into a multi-agency investigation involving Crime Stoppers, forensic teams, and landfill recovery units.
According to police statements, the investigation escalated after officers searched a dumpster linked to the property. By the time authorities arrived, the dumpster had already been emptied, forcing investigators to track the garbage truck that collected its contents.
Inside the recovered waste, investigators reportedly found bloodied clothing and a large carpet soaked with what appeared to be blood. That discovery led detectives directly to the Parker Street residence, where Troncoso was taken into custody.
Confession and Shocking Allegations Inside the Home
Police allege that during questioning, Troncoso confessed to shooting and stabbing Sheppard before dismembering his body and attempting to dispose of the remains. Investigators have not publicly confirmed a motive, but describe the attack as both violent and deliberate.
Inside the home, authorities say they found additional evidence supporting the homicide investigation, including traces consistent with a violent struggle. Officials later expanded the search to nearby waste disposal sites after connecting evidence from the residence to the dumpster materials.
The suspectās father, Mario Valdes Troncoso Jr., was arrested after investigators alleged he assisted in removing or concealing parts of the victimās remains. He is charged with tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, a felony offense in Texas.
Police say some remains were later recovered from a landfill after continued tracking of the waste trail linked to the original dumpster pickup. The recovery effort added another layer of complexity to an already intensive forensic investigation.
Police Call Case One of the Most Violent in Recent Memory
San Angelo Police Chief Travis Griffith described the killing as one of the most violent homicides the department has seen in years. Authorities say the combination of shooting, stabbing, and dismemberment makes the case especially disturbing for investigators and the local community.
Troncoso is being held on a $2 million bond, while her father is being held on a $100,000 bond. Officials say both cases remain active as prosecutors review additional evidence and await further forensic results.
Investigators are continuing to examine materials recovered from the landfill, the dumpster site, and the residence. Police have not ruled out additional charges as the scope of the investigation expands.
The relationship between Troncoso and Sheppard was described by authorities as a live-in partnership, though the events leading up to the killing remain unclear. Detectives say they are still working to piece together the final timeline before the homicide occurred.
Investigation Continues as Forensic Work Expands
Authorities say the case is still developing, with forensic teams analyzing physical evidence recovered across multiple locations. Officials have emphasized that landfill recovery operations are ongoing and may take time due to the condition of the discarded materials.
While prosecutors prepare for court proceedings, investigators are also reviewing digital evidence, witness statements, and any prior reports involving the individuals connected to the case.
For now, both defendants remain in custody as the legal process unfolds in what has become one of the most closely watched criminal cases in the region.
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