A Texas man has been charged with murdering his fiancé after authorities uncovered an incriminating internet search that raised suspicions about his involvement. Police say Ty Vaughn staged the crime scene as a suicide, but forensic evidence and security footage told a different story.

The Search That Raised Eyebrows

Baytown police arrested 31-year-old Ty Dalton Vaughn after discovering that he had searched online, “Can I kill an illegal human?” just hours before his fiancé, Luis Banos, was shot dead inside their apartment on January 14.

Vaughn initially claimed he had been away drinking and returned at 5:30 a.m. to find Banos, 27, dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. But court documents reveal a timeline that contradicts his story. Investigators determined that Vaughn was at the apartment much earlier than he admitted and that the scene had been manipulated.

Evidence That Led to His Arrest

Detectives noted several inconsistencies in Vaughn’s account. Security footage showed him arriving at the apartment at 4:05 a.m., contradicting his claim that he wasn’t home at the time. Neighbors also reported hearing a gunshot shortly after his arrival.

A text message Vaughn sent to Banos at 4:27 a.m. read, “Babe? Babe why are you not texting back?!?” However, investigators say Banos was already dead by then. Vaughn did not call 911 until 5:38 a.m., a delay of 93 minutes after the estimated time of death.

Police found Banos lying on a bed with a rifle propped against his arm. A torn photograph of the couple was also discovered nearby. Forensic evidence indicated that the scene had been altered to resemble a suicide, further raising suspicions.

Vaughn’s Troubling Statements

During police interviews, Vaughn repeatedly mentioned Banos’ immigration status, despite investigators not bringing it up. His behavior and inconsistencies led authorities to pursue further inquiries.

A news release from the Baytown Police Department stated, “Throughout the investigation, Vaughn provided inconsistent statements. Detectives later determined the cause of death to be a homicide. On March 7, 2025, investigators arrested Ty Vaughn.”

Prosecutors also pointed out evidence of tampering. “There were some indications, including blood on the bed away from the position that the complainant was found in, that the scene had been tampered with essentially,” prosecutor Michael Hanover told KHOU 11.

The Legal Battle Ahead

Seven weeks after Banos’ death, the Harris County District Attorney’s Office officially charged Vaughn with murder. He was booked into the Harris County Jail with bond set at $500,000.

In a prior interview with ABC13, before his arrest, Vaughn seemed dismissive when questioned about Banos’ death. Asked if he had spoken to Banos on the day of the incident, he responded, “I don’t know. The police know all the details… I don’t know. I’ve been kind of not great. I haven’t really been going to police looking for answers.”

When the reporter offered condolences, Vaughn simply replied, “I mean, it is what it is.”

Remembering Luis Banos

Friends and family of Banos described him as a kind, artistic, and helpful person. Following his death, his cousin Diana Ascencio created a GoFundMe to assist with funeral expenses. Loved ones have expressed grief and disbelief over the circumstances surrounding his tragic death.

Vaughn now faces a legal battle as prosecutors work to bring justice for Banos. Authorities continue to gather evidence to build their case, ensuring that the truth behind the events of January 14 comes to light.