Texas — Police charged a Texas woman with her common-law husband’s murder after they claim she set fire to his truck and tried to escape in a kayak.
On December 23, the Calhoun County Adult Detention Center detained Faith Paige Goynes, 40.
According to the arrest affidavit obtained by San Antonio ABC affiliate KSAT, Goynes was the primary suspect in the death of her common-law husband, Tomas Calavera Jr., 30, who was discovered in a closet with a fatal gunshot wound to the face. The investigation spanned two counties.
Officers from the Bandera County Sheriff’s Office reportedly conducted a welfare check at the home on Monday at the request of Calhoun County officials looking for the alleged victim, discovering Calavera dead.
Calhoun County deputies launched their investigation on Goynes after she set fire to a Calavera-owned 2024 GMC pickup truck near Port O’Connor, Texas, approximately 150 miles east of San Antonio.
According to the arrest affidavit, a witness saw Goynes extinguishing herself while walking away from the truck. Near the vehicle, authorities discovered a gas can and lighter.
Deputies and a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department officer apprehended Goynes as she allegedly attempted to flee the scene in a kayak.
According to police, Goynes suffered burns to her hand and was in possession of Calvera’s ID.
According to the affidavit, Goynes told police she shot Calavera, with whom she has a child, and set fire to his truck.
Bexar County, where Calvera’s home was located, charged her with murder and arson resulting in serious bodily injury or death. There was no bond information available.
