Man Denied Bond in Killing of Theodore Mother and Two Children

State seeks death penalty as preliminary autopsy results described as "gruesome" and "horrific"

Mar. 13, 2026 at 10:09pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Hector Argueta-Guerra has been charged with three counts of capital murder in the deaths of Aurelia Choc, her 17-year-old daughter Niurka, and her 2-year-old son Anthony. The Mobile County District Attorney said the preliminary autopsy results were "gruesome" and "horrific", and the state will seek the death penalty. Argueta-Guerra, who is in the country illegally and has an ICE hold on him, appeared in court and was denied bond.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the ongoing issues of violent crime, immigration enforcement, and the death penalty in the state of Alabama. The brutal nature of the killings has shocked the local community, raising questions about the perpetrator's motives and mental state.

The details

According to court documents, all three victims were killed with a sharp-edged weapon. Investigators found the bodies in a wooded area off Downing Road east of Summerdale, after tracing Argueta-Guerra's ties to a nearby home. The Mobile County District Attorney declined to specify the weapon used, but described the preliminary autopsy findings as "gruesome" and "horrific". Argueta-Guerra faces three counts of capital murder, three counts of abuse of a corpse, and obstruction of justice charges.

  • On Wednesday evening, the bodies of Aurelia Choc, her 17-year-old daughter Niurka, and her 2-year-old son Anthony were found in a wooded area.
  • On Friday, Hector Argueta-Guerra appeared in court for the first time on capital murder charges and was denied bond.
  • Argueta-Guerra's next court appearance, a preliminary hearing, is set for April 6.

The players

Hector Argueta-Guerra

The man accused of killing a mother and her two children. He faces three counts of capital murder, three counts of abuse of a corpse, and obstruction of justice charges. Argueta-Guerra is in the country illegally and has an ICE hold on him.

Aurelia Choc

The mother who was killed, along with her two children.

Niurka Choc

The 17-year-old daughter of Aurelia Choc who was killed.

Anthony Choc

The 2-year-old son of Aurelia Choc who was killed.

Keith Blackwood

The Mobile County District Attorney who said the preliminary autopsy findings were "gruesome" and "horrific", and that the state will seek the death penalty.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I did receive a message while I was in court that explained some of the results, but until I see the preliminary report, I don't want to share. I will share that the findings are gruesome. The findings are horrific. This family did not deserve to be killed in this way.”

— Keith Blackwood, Mobile County District Attorney

What’s next

Argueta-Guerra's next court appearance, a preliminary hearing, is set for April 6.

The takeaway

This tragic case highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing violent crime, immigration enforcement, and the death penalty in Alabama. The brutality of the killings has shocked the local community and raised difficult questions about the perpetrator's motives and mental state, as well as the broader societal issues at play.