A Baytown family is searching for answers after a case initially ruled a suicide is now being investigated as a homicide.
27-year-old Luis Banos was found dead in January, and for months, his loved ones believed his death was a tragic loss. However, authorities have since charged his fiancé, Ty Vaughn, with murder.
Shocking Turn in the Case
Banos’ cousin, Diana Ascencio, remembers him as a kind and joyful person with a love for art.
“He was very sweet, always laughing and making jokes. He had such a big heart,” Ascencio shared.
Banos, a graduate of Impact and Lee College, worked as a manager at a McDonald’s franchise and adored his nieces and nephews.
“Every Christmas, he would fill up my living room with gifts,” recalled his sister-in-law.
Banos had once expressed deep love for Vaughn, sharing on social media in 2021, “Cheers to our beginning… With the time death gives us on this planet… I promise to be by your side.”
From Suicide to Homicide Investigation
On January 14, Vaughn called the police, reporting that he had found Banos in their apartment with a fatal gunshot wound to the head. Initially, the case was ruled a suicide, but Banos’ family had doubts.
“He was happy. He had so many goals ahead of him,” his sister-in-law said.
Recently, investigators determined that Vaughn allegedly staged the scene to look like a suicide. According to court records, just hours before Banos’ death, Vaughn searched online: “Is it illegal to kill an illegal immigrant?”
Banos’ family revealed that he had moved to the U.S. from Mexico at age 10 and was a DACA recipient.
Seeking Justice
The arrest of Vaughn came as a devastating revelation to Banos’ family, who never suspected he was in danger.
“I would have never thought the person my cousin was sleeping next to—the person who gave him a ring and said he loved him—could do something like this,” Ascencio said.
While Vaughn reportedly showed signs of jealousy, the family never imagined it would lead to such a violent act.
“Why? Why? Why? We welcomed him in. We treated him as family,” Banos’ sister-in-law said.
Court Proceedings
Vaughn is currently held in Harris County Jail on a $500,000 bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for April 30.
Banos’ family is determined to seek justice and plans to attend the hearing.
