New Insights Emerge in Houston Murder Case Involving Cuban Woman and Her Partner

Recently revealed details have brought to light the chilling events surrounding the murder of Cuban national Yoandra González, who was tragically killed by her partner in Houston, Texas. Authorities, local media, and those close to the victim have provided information that helps piece together the moments before and after the incident, as well as the profile of the alleged perpetrator, José Ignacio Díaz Piña, who is now facing murder charges.

An Alarming Crime

On the night of Sunday, June 29, 40-year-old Yoandra González was fatally stabbed in her apartment at 8801 South Braeswood Boulevard. Her partner, 31-year-old José Ignacio Díaz Piña, was confirmed by authorities as the assailant. Houston Police Department officers arrived at the scene around 8:35 p.m. local time after receiving a stabbing report. Inside the apartment, they discovered Yoandra's body with multiple stab wounds, and paramedics declared her dead at the scene.

"I Stabbed Her, I Killed Her"

According to court documents and police reports, Díaz Piña inflicted at least 11 stab wounds on the victim. After committing the crime, he was not present when officers arrived but later returned and surrendered voluntarily. As reported by Telemundo Houston, upon surrendering, he confessed, "I stabbed her, I killed her." Díaz Piña is facing murder charges in the 497th State District Court in Harris County. Due to the severity of the crime, bail has been set at $500,000, with conditions including:

• No contact with the victim's family.
• Staying away from the crime scene.
• Wearing a GPS monitor if released.

The Victim's Son: An Indirect Witness

One of the most heart-wrenching aspects of this case involves Yoandra's son, "Mauro," a 13-year-old boy. As revealed by court documents and media outlets like Univision and Telemundo, Díaz Piña sent the boy to a store before the attack. Upon returning, the boy found the apartment door locked, climbed the balcony, and discovered his mother's bloodied body. In a state of panic, he ran to a neighbor's house to call 911.

Profile of the Suspect: A Babalawo Who Made the Journey to the U.S.

Journalist Yosmany Mayeta disclosed that the accused, soon to be 32 on July 5, hails from Camagüey province and used the social media alias “Jose Iroso Ojuani.” Díaz Piña is a practitioner of Santería, serving as a babalawo, and entered the United States in June 2023 after a migratory journey. He reportedly had an occasional relationship with Yoandra González. His Facebook profile shows recent posts that depicted apparent happiness with his life in the U.S., starkly contrasting with the violent act he committed.

The Victim: A Devoted Mother and Friend

Yoandra González, originally from San Juan on the Siboney highway in Santiago de Cuba, was known for being a loving mother, cheerful, and generous, especially towards her son. Friends, neighbors in Santiago de Cuba, acquaintances, and the public have expressed shock over her tragic death. A GoFundMe campaign is circulating on social media to assist with funeral expenses. It remains uncertain if her remains will be repatriated to Cuba, where her closest relatives reside.

A Case Highlighting Domestic Violence

Authorities have classified Yoandra's murder as domestic violence, a persistent issue claiming lives in Texas. The attorney handling the case emphasized the importance of seeking timely help. If you or someone you know is in a similar situation, contact the Houston Area Women's Center at 713-528-2121 (24/7 hotline) or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 (SAFE). According to the Texas Health and Human Services (HHS), family violence includes physical harm, emotional, sexual, or economic abuse. Children witnessing such violence are also considered victims.