Leah Chase, SCSO Public Relations
Shelby County Sheriff Kevin W. Windham reports the arrest of Carlos Caporali Manuels, 32, of Joaquin.
On Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at approximately 7:46 a.m., a call came in through 9-1-1 from an individual who stated a child was at her home saying his mother was deceased in their home. Deputies responded to the scene, located on Doogieville Loop in Joaquin, and found 32 year-old Yuri Diana Barahona, of Joaquin, deceased from what appeared to be gunshot wounds to the head.
Investigators secured the scene and began searching for Manuels due to information received that he had packed up and left.
At approximately 2 p.m., Tyler Police Department located Manuels 1998 Chevrolet S-10 abandoned at the intersection of Valentine and N Spring Avenue in Tyler.
At 5:51 p.m., Manuels called Smith County 9-1-1 stating he had been shot, and was requesting medical care. Manuels was transported to CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler, and treated for his injuries. It was determined that the injuries sustained to his face were from a pellet gun.
Sheriff Windham sent investigators to the hospital to interview Manuels and take him into custody. Once he was released from the hospital, Manuels was transported to Smith County Sheriff’s Office jail facility and booked for Murder (F-1). Manuels has since been transported to the Shelby County jail where he is currently awaiting arraignment.
The SCSO would like to extend a huge thank you to Desoto Parish Sheriff Jaysen Richardson and his staff for the use of their mobile command center; Joaquin ISD staff for the compassion towards the victims children; Golden Eye Clinic; Shelby County Children’s Advocacy Center; Tyler Police Department; Smith County Sheriff’s Office; Shelby County Constables- Zack Warr, Jamie Hagler, Roy Cheatwood, Taylor Fanguy, and Josh Tipton; Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Taylor Buster; Texas Ranger Jim Hicks; Tenaha Police Department; Joaquin First Responders; and Shelby County District Attorney Karren Price.
Ms. Barahona’s children are being cared for by an immediate family member. We extend our condolences to the Barahona family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.