ONLY ON ABC-7: Mother of slain Las Cruces woman warns domestic violence survivors

One year ago this month, a Las Cruces man wept in court after learning his ex-girlfriend had taken her final breaths.

A Las Cruces judge denied bond for Angel Saenz Jr. on December 21st, 2017, hours after Sonia Castillo died from her injuries. Saenz Jr. was charged with first-degree murder in connection with her death.

“She’s just in a better place,” said Estella Garcia, Castillo’s mother.

“She’s gone from me in flesh, but she’s still in my heart,” Garcia told ABC-7 on the one-year anniversary of her daughter’s death.

On December 14th, 2017, police responded to reports of a hit-and-run in the residential area on Organ Avenue and Santa Fe Street in Las Cruces. According to court records, a neighbor heard a “domestic domestic dispute” and a “pop” that sounded like “an object striking another object.”

“You know, I just always had that gut feeling,” Garcia said last year. “I told her, ‘Something’s going to happen.’

When first responders arrived on scene that day, Castillo had multiple injuries, including a broken spine, neck and ribs, according to the police report. A neighbor identified the suspect’s car as a Black Honda Ridgeline.

Days later, police say they saw Saenz Jr. driving that struck. After he parked and “fled on foot,” an officer took him into custody, according to court records.

Garcia said her daughter had feared her ex-boyfriend. Last year, she said her daughter’s restraining order against him was denied.

The Las Cruces mother has a warning for survivors of domestic violence.

“Get out,” she said. “Get out while you can.”

While nothing will bring her daughter back, Garcia told ABC-7 she hopes her daughter’s story might save someone else.

“It’s still sad, but I know she’s in a better place,” Garcia said. “She’s resting and doesn’t have to face any more fears.”

A public defender for Saenz Jr. did not return a call for comment.