Santos Hernandez Cornejo, 53, was arrested on a murder charge early Sunday after surrendering, HPD said.
HOUSTON — Bond was dramatically reduced for a man accused of stabbing a woman to death Saturday night, according to court documents.
Note: The video above was from a previous report.
Santos Hernandez Cornejo, 53, was arrested on a murder charge. During his first court appearance on Sunday night, a judge granted the prosecutor’s request to set Cornejo’s bond at $350,000, calling the crime a “calculated effort to take the life of this complainant.”
The bond was later reduced to $50,000.
What happened
The 50-year-old victim, whose name hasn’t been released, died from multiple stab wounds on Wilcrest Drive, west of Beltway 8. According to court documents, Cornejo “tracked, stalked, chased, and then murdered” the victim, who police say was his girlfriend or former girlfriend.
The couple argued in the parking lot, and then Cornejo chased her into the Burnin’ Shell restaurant around 11:30 p.m., HPD said on Monday.
Someone in the restaurant called 911.
While homicide detectives were still processing the scene, they learned that Cornejo had called 911 and agreed to surrender. Police say he confessed to the killing.
Resources for victims of domestic or family violence
Domestic and family violence cases in the Houston area have increased at an alarming rate. Victims often suffer in silence because they feel scared, helpless or ashamed.
If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, here are some discreet ways to reach out for help.
The Houston Area Women’s Center has a 24-hour hotline for victims of domestic violence at 713-528-2121 or 1-800-256-0551.
The Family Time Crisis Center can also be reached 24 hours a day at 281-446-2615.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
Crisis Text Line: Text START to 88788.