Aransas Pass Police Department Asst. Police Chief David Wood said his investigators believe more than one person is responsible for killing Rebecca Anne Maloney, but have ruled out Maloney's husband as a suspect.
Wood also told KRIS 6 News on Monday the Aransas Co. Medical Examiner's Office determined the mother of three died from a gunshot to the head.
Police arrested 41-year-old Jaime Garcia on Friday night after serving a search warrant in his room at the Rahi Motel and Cottages. Garcia worked for the property as a handyman, and knew Maloney and her husband.
Wood said investigators have determined the murder took place in one of the motel's units on Business 35 in Aransas Pass.
"The reason we focused in on the Rahi is because we know the victim and her husband had been there," Wood said. "Information that was coming in led us to believe that we would find the crime scene there, which, we did find the crime scene there."
When they executed the warrant Friday, drugs and a gun were found in Garcia's his room.
Police haven't charged Garcia with Maloney's murder, but he also hasn't been ruled him out as suspect. They said tips from the public led investigators to the motel.
The Aransas Pass police have determined the murder happened between Jan. 18 and Jan. 20, the day before Maloney's body was found and still are working to pinpoint several facts: exact timeframe, motive, and who owned the toolbox in which Maloney was found.
Aransas Pass Police, the Texas Rangers, and Federal law enforcement agencies all are involved in the investigation. Wood said the police hope to have those responsible in custody soon, to be able to offer Maloney's family some peace.
If you have any information on this case, you are urged to contact Aransas Pass Police at 361-758-5224.
