A Texas woman was arrested after deputies said she fatally shot her common-law husband and set his truck on fire before trying to escape in a kayak.
Faith Paige Goynes, 40, of Texas, was arrested and charged with murder and arson after authorities discovered the body of her common-law husband, Tomas Calavera Jr., 30, in San Antonio.
The investigation began when Calavera’s father was notified by the Bandera County Sheriff’s Office that Calhoun County officials had requested a welfare check for his son.
Upon arriving at Calavera’s residence, his father could not locate him.
Subsequently, deputies from the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office searched the property and found Calavera deceased in a closet.
He had sustained a gunshot wound to the face.
Following this discovery, Calhoun County deputies linked Goynes to the incident after she allegedly set fire to a 2024 GMC pickup truck in Port O’Connor, about 150 miles southeast of San Antonio.
Goynes is currently facing charges of murder and arson causing serious bodily injury or death and is being held at the Calhoun County Jail.
Faith Paige Goynes, 40, faces charges of murder and arson causing serious bodily injury or death, according to records from the Calhoun County Jail.
According to the arrest warrant affidavit, the investigation revealed that the truck belonging to Calavera was severely damaged by fire.
A yellow gas can and a lighter were discovered near the scene.
A witness reported observing a woman, later identified as Goynes, attempting to extinguish herself after walking away from the burning vehicle.
Subsequently, deputies and a Texas Parks and Wildlife officer located Goynes paddling away in a kayak.
Goynes sustained severe burns on her right hand and was found in possession of Calavera’s identification.
During questioning, Goynes confessed to shooting Calavera, stealing his truck and setting it on fire. She was subsequently taken into custody in Calhoun County on Monday.
The affidavit does not disclose any known connection between Goynes and Port O’Connor or Calhoun County.
