Son accused of concealing father's murder after remains found in bloody trash bag

Daniel Sebastian Ordonez charged with tampering with evidence and failing to report human remains in death of El Paso realtor Daniel Antonio Ordonez

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:06pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single piece of crime scene evidence, such as a bullet casing or a bloodied piece of fabric, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the disturbing nature of this family murder case.A grim reminder of the tragic consequences when family violence escalates to deadly levels.El Paso Today

A 31-year-old man has been accused of allegedly murdering his 54-year-old father, a realtor from El Paso, in San Antonio earlier this month. Police found the victim's remains in a large black trash bag with apparent blood leaking from it at the home they shared. Investigators believe the son, Daniel Sebastian Ordonez, used cleaning supplies, duct tape, and other items to conceal evidence of the murder.

Why it matters

This case highlights the tragic nature of family violence and the lengths some may go to cover up a heinous crime. It also raises questions about mental health, domestic issues, and the challenges of investigating homicides when the perpetrator is a close relative of the victim.

The details

According to the affidavit, the victim, Daniel Antonio Ordonez, was reported missing by a family member who noticed strange activity on his phone and smartwatch. Police searched a rental property owned by the victim and found his phone and keys buried in a plant pot, as well as one of his vehicles with an apparent bullet hole. At the victim's primary home, they discovered a large black trash bag with apparent blood leaking from it, and upon further inspection found the deceased victim inside. Crime scene investigators also found evidence that blood had been cleaned up both inside and outside the home. Surveillance footage and receipts showed the son, Daniel Sebastian Ordonez, had purchased cleaning supplies, duct tape, and other items that investigators believe he used to conceal the murder.

  • On April 1, 2026, the victim was reported missing by a family member.
  • On April 2, 2026, police responded to the victim's rental property and found his phone, keys, and a vehicle with a bullet hole.
  • On April 3, 2026, police searched the victim's primary home and found the victim's remains in a trash bag.

The players

Daniel Antonio Ordonez

A 54-year-old realtor from El Paso, Texas, who was the victim in this case.

Daniel Sebastian Ordonez

The 31-year-old son of the victim, who has been accused of tampering with evidence and failing to report human remains in connection to his father's death.

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What’s next

Investigators are still working to determine if Daniel Sebastian Ordonez will face additional charges, including murder, in the death of his father. The Bexar County Medical Examiner has ruled the victim's death a homicide due to a gunshot wound to the head.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the importance of addressing mental health issues, domestic conflicts, and the need for stronger safeguards to prevent family members from concealing violent crimes. It also highlights the challenges law enforcement faces when investigating homicides within families.