Bodies Believed to Be Missing Theodore Family Found

Mobile, AL (BuzzReport) — Authorities announced Thursday that three bodies believed to be members of a Theodore family who had been missing since January have been recovered in neighboring Baldwin County.

During a Thursday morning press conference, Paul Burch confirmed that investigators located the bodies in a lightly wooded area off Downing Road in Baldwin County. Officials believe the remains are those of 40-year-old Aurelia Choc Cac and her two children, 17-year-old Niurka Zuleta Choc and 2-year-old Anthony Garcia Choc.

The family was last seen in January at their home in Theodore, prompting a missing persons investigation that drew the attention of multiple law enforcement agencies.

Authorities said 27-year-old Hector Gamaliel Argueta-Guerra had already been in custody for several weeks in connection with the family’s disappearance. He was initially charged with kidnapping.

At Thursday’s press conference, Keith Blackwood announced that prosecutors have now filed three counts of murder against Argueta-Guerra following the discovery of the bodies. Blackwood also stated that the state intends to seek the death penalty in the case.

While officials say formal forensic identification will take time, investigators believe there is sufficient evidence to conclude that the remains belong to the missing Choc family.

The investigation involved multiple agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and law enforcement officials from Baldwin County.

Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing as forensic testing continues and additional evidence is processed. Further details about the circumstances surrounding the deaths have not yet been released.