Wichita Falls in Mourning as Body of Missing Woman Keren Martinez Ballesteros Found; Former Partner Arrested for Murder
Wichita Falls in Mourning as Body of Missing Woman Keren Martinez Ballesteros Found; Former Partner Arrested for Murder
WICHITA FALLS, TX — June 19, 2025 — A heavy pall of grief has settled over Wichita Falls following the tragic confirmation that the body discovered in a field near Cashion, earlier this week, is that of 28-year-old Keren Martinez Ballesteros, a woman reported missing just days prior. What began as a community-driven search for a beloved young woman has now turned into a homicide investigation, with authorities arresting a man she once trusted—her former partner.
The Wichita Falls Police Department confirmed Keren’s identity Thursday morning, after forensic analysis and dental records verified her remains. The body was discovered Tuesday in a remote and overgrown area off a county road near Cashion, in what investigators described as a “deliberately concealed” location. Evidence at the scene, including personal effects and signs of trauma, suggested foul play from the outset.
By Thursday afternoon, police had arrested a 32-year-old male suspect, whose name is being withheld pending formal charges, though sources close to the investigation confirmed that he had a prior domestic relationship with Keren. He is now facing charges of first-degree murder and tampering with evidence, with additional charges under review as the investigation unfolds.
A Community Shaken
Keren Martinez Ballesteros was a bright, warm, and deeply compassionate young woman, remembered for her love of family, her deep ties to her church, and her dreams of starting a counseling center to support women and children. Born and raised in Wichita Falls, she attended Midwestern State University, where she studied psychology and volunteered with local advocacy groups.
“She was the kind of soul who gave more than she took,” said María Delgado, a longtime family friend. “Her presence could lift a room, and now we’re left with a silence that feels impossible to bear.”
The community had rallied behind Keren’s family when she was first reported missing late last week. Volunteers joined in search efforts across Wichita Falls and surrounding areas, distributing flyers and combing through parks, alleys, and backroads. Hope dwindled as days passed, but no one was prepared for the horror of her being found lifeless in a field, the victim of what police believe to be a calculated act of violence.
The Investigation
According to Wichita Falls Police Chief Manuel Reyes, Keren had last been seen alive on the evening of June 13, when she reportedly left a friend’s house to meet with her ex-partner to discuss personal matters. That was the last confirmed sighting of her. When she failed to return home or respond to calls and texts, her family immediately reported her missing.
Investigators used phone records, surveillance footage, and vehicle tracking data to retrace her final movements. That trail led them to the suspect, who was reportedly uncooperative during early questioning. However, a search of his vehicle and residence yielded enough evidence to secure a warrant and, ultimately, an arrest.
“Our team worked tirelessly, and while nothing can undo this loss, we are committed to securing justice for Keren,” Chief Reyes said during a press conference Thursday. “No family should have to endure this pain, especially not at the hands of someone their loved one once trusted.”
The suspect is currently being held at the Wichita County Jail, with no bond set as of Thursday evening.
An Outpouring of Support
News of the tragic discovery has prompted an outpouring of support for the Martinez Ballesteros family. Vigils are already being planned, with the first scheduled for Saturday night at Lucy Park, where hundreds are expected to gather to honor Keren’s memory with candles, prayer, and music. Organizers say it will be a celebration of her life and a call for stronger protections for victims of domestic violence.
A GoFundMe campaign launched to support the family with funeral and legal expenses surpassed $25,000 within hours of the confirmation of Keren’s death. Community leaders, clergy, and local nonprofits have stepped in to offer counseling services and emotional support.
“We’re grieving a daughter of Wichita Falls,” said Rev. Hector Molina, who will lead Saturday’s vigil. “Keren’s life and light mattered. And in her name, we will demand change.”
Seeking Justice
While the community mourns, the investigation continues. Detectives are now reviewing past incidents and restraining order filings, and they urge anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the Cashion area over the past week to come forward. Authorities are also encouraging those experiencing domestic abuse or threats to seek help, emphasizing that early intervention can save lives.
Keren’s death has once again ignited conversation around intimate partner violence, with advocacy groups calling for legislative action and greater community education.
As Wichita Falls grapples with the tragic loss of one of its own, one message rings clear through the sorrow: Keren Martinez Ballesteros will not be forgotten. Her life, her dreams, and the love she gave so freely now serve as both a painful reminder and a powerful call to action.
