Hector Argüeta-Guerra Faces Capital Murder Charges in Deaths of Alabama Mother and Two Children

 

Hector Argüeta-Guerra Accused of Kidnapping and Murdering a Mother and Her Two Children in Alabama

On January 30, 2026, Aurelia Choc Cac, 40, and her two children disappeared from their home in Theodore, Alabama.

Her daughter, Niurka Zuleta Choc, 17, and son, Anthony Garcia Choc, 2, were missing alongside her.

Investigators found blood in multiple rooms and evidence of a violent struggle.

More than six weeks later, on March 12, authorities discovered all three bodies in a heavily wooded area of Baldwin County.

The suspect, Hector Gamaliel Argüeta-Guerra, 27, had already been arrested on February 9 while allegedly attempting to evade police.

According to investigators, surveillance footage and cellphone records connected him to the family's disappearance and the remote location where their bodies were found.

Authorities say he initially provided a false identity, identifying himself as Juan Carlos Argüeta Guerra. Fingerprint analysis later established his identity.

Investigators also reported that Argüeta-Guerra, a Salvadoran national, had outstanding warrants in El Salvador connected to organized crime and terrorism.

Following the discovery of the bodies, prosecutors upgraded the charges against him to capital murder.

Mobile County District Attorney Keith Blackwood described the killings as particularly disturbing, citing allegations of sexual assault and the deaths of two children.

Prosecutors have announced their intention to seek the death penalty.

Argüeta-Guerra remains in custody awaiting trial. He has not been convicted.

Aurelia was 40. Niurka was 17. Anthony was just two years old.

A mother and her children disappeared from their own home. Weeks later, investigators found their bodies hidden in the woods.

Whatever the courts ultimately determine, three people are dead, including a little boy who had barely begun to live. They deserve to be remembered for more than the brutality of what happened to them.