Details of fatal hit-and-run are revealed
Affidavit says black SUV aimed at woman before hitting, dragging her to her death
A 40-year-old mother of seven and the man accused of striking and killing her with an SUV told San Antonio police that he met the woman at a club Sunday night and she accompanied him to his home hours later.
Luis Diaz-Quijas, 22, was arrested on suspicion of murder Wednesday, two days after he allegedly killed Christy Cantu near North San Joaquin Avenue and Rivas Street. Diaz-Quijas is also being held in Bexar County Jail on an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer, jail officials confirmed.
An arrest affidavit released after he was taken into custody provides more details about what police think happened at about 1 a.m. Monday when Cantu was killed.
According to the affidavit, a surveillance camera from a nearby auto shop captured the incident. The footage showed Cantu hiding behind a street sign before a large black SUV turned toward her and drove onto the sidewalk.
The video shows the SUV striking a sign, then Cantu. The vehicle drags her, killing her, as it continues south, the affidavit says.
Witnesses told police they could hear Cantu trying to get away from the vehicle and yelling for help shortly before the wreck was reported.
After the driver sped away, police found a license plate placard at the scene that belonged to Trevi Auto Sales. Records at that dealership led police to Diaz-Quijas, according to the affidavit.
Police found Diaz-Quijas in his home, less than a mile from the scene of the incident. They also found a black SUV that had damage consistent with the crash, the affidavit said.
Diaz-Quijas was taken into custody and interviewed by police. He told them he met Cantu at a club hours before she was killed and the two went to his home. He said he tried to touch her, but she pulled a kitchen knife on him, the affidavit said. He then told her to leave, which she did.
After Cantu left the home, DiazQuijas went to a Valero, he reportedly told officers. On his way home, he saw Cantu and accidentally struck her, he said, according to the affidavit.
He told police he tried to help her into his car after he found her body in the street, but fled when he saw another car coming.
Diaz-Quijas’ bail was set at $100,000, jail records showed.