San Antonio, Texas — The investigation into the death of Daniel Antonio Ordonez, 54, took a dramatic turn after relatives reported unusual activity connected to his devices, prompting a police welfare check that led to a shocking discovery.
Authorities found Ordonez’s body concealed in a trash bag at a property he owned on West Theo Avenue. The case has since escalated, with his son, 31-year-old Daniel Sebastian Ordonez, and his wife, 36-year-old Alyssa Sophia Herrera, facing charges of tampering with physical evidence. As of now, there are no murder charges related to the shooting that led to Ordonez’s death.
The investigation began when a family member, concerned after losing contact with Ordonez early in April, utilized access to his smartwatch and cellphone. The data revealed alarming irregularities, prompting police intervention. Upon arriving at the West Theo Avenue residence, officers discovered Ordonez’s cellphone and keys buried under fresh soil in a nearby plant, alongside a vehicle with a bullet hole in its rear window. These signs shifted the inquiry from a simple welfare check to a serious investigation into a possible homicide.
While at the property, Daniel Sebastian Ordonez and Herrera appeared. The younger Ordonez informed the police that his father resided with them on Vera Cruz Street, leading to a consented search of the residence. Investigators discovered a separate structure behind the home, where they found the large black trash bag leaking what appeared to be blood. A subsequent examination revealed that Ordonez died from a gunshot wound, with the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office confirming the death as a homicide.
Evidence collected from the scene indicated attempted cleanup efforts post-killing. A search at the Vera Cruz Street home revealed traces of blood that had been altered or concealed, and several surveillance cameras had been removed. No ballistic evidence, such as shell casings, was recovered, leaving critical questions about how and where the shooting occurred.
Investigators pursued a trail of purchases linked to the suspects that became pivotal to the tampering case. They reviewed bank records alongside surveillance footage from major retailers, where Daniel Sebastian Ordonez is said to have bought items like towels, duct tape, and a “mummy” style sleeping bag from Walmart, as well as tools and cleaning supplies from Home Depot. Notably, a newly purchased shovel with packaging still attached was found at the scene, raising suspicions about its intended use.
Although these purchases do not link directly to murder charges, the evidence suggests efforts to conceal relevant information related to the incident. The younger Ordonez has denied involvement in his father’s death, claiming he was unaware of the circumstances surrounding it.
Herrera was arrested shortly after her husband and faces similar charges of tampering with evidence. Despite living at the Vera Cruz Street residence alongside both men, she has not been implicated directly in the murder. Investigators believe the couple conspired to alter or destroy evidence linked to the crime.
Known for his work in real estate and as a businessman affiliated with the DanO Group, Daniel Antonio Ordonez was described by acquaintances as a respected figure within the community. The circumstances surrounding his death have shocked local residents, many of whom expressed disbelief upon hearing about the incident.
As the investigation continues, authorities are diligently reviewing forensic evidence and timelines regarding the victim’s last interactions. While police have confirmed Ordonez’s death as a homicide, they have yet to publicly identify a suspect in the shooting itself. The next major update in the case is the scheduled court appearance of Daniel Sebastian Ordonez, set for July 8, as the legal proceedings unfold amidst ongoing inquiries.