Text messages stored in cloud service allegedly led police to murder suspect, document states

Court documents reveal the woman found dead in a West El Paso apartment unit was strangled.

Police arrested Darrin Yeager, 32, late Friday on suspicion of killing 51-year-old Dawn Denise Weatherly.

Yeager allegedly confessed to the killing.

Police said detectives investigating the murder were not able to find the victim’s cell phone. However, they were able to retreive text messages between the victim and Yeager stored in the victim’s cloud service.

When police took Yeager into custody, the woman allegedly had an “inconsistent story.” Yeager allegedly failed to explain why she had scratches on her face.

Upon further questioning, Yeager allegedly admitted to “taking pills” with the victim and then getting into an argument. Yeager allegedly told police she strangled Weatherly, a complaint affidavit states.

The murder suspect also allegedly confessed to taking the victim’s cell phone and throwing it away in a dumpster.

Detectives learned that Yeager and Weatherly were acquaintances who had ongoing hostility toward each other. On New Year’s eve, the two met at Weatherly’s apartment where a fight occurred.

The victim was found dead two days later in a West El Paso apartment unit at 5890 Bandolero.

Westside Regional Command officers responded to a stabbing call. Friends of the Weatherly, went to check up on her after not hearing from her. They found Weatherly dead with what appeared to be stab wounds.

Police clarified Tuesday an investigation by detectives and the medical examiner’s office revealed the victim had not been stabbed.

Yeager was booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility under a $1 million bond.