A heartbreaking murder investigation in Texas has taken another disturbing turn after newly released arrest footage captured the moments two sisters accused of killing a mother of five appeared to smile and laugh while being taken into police custody.

The video has spread rapidly across social media, intensifying public outrage as investigators continue searching for answers in a case that has left an entire community grieving.

Authorities allege that 32-year-old Caroline “Caro” Peña was fatally stabbed in broad daylight Thursday in Del Rio, a city near the U.S.-Mexico border. She was rushed to a local hospital before being airlifted to San Antonio for emergency surgery, but later died from her injuries.

Within hours of the attack, police arrested three women in connection with the case: sisters Kitty Mia Diaz, 21, and Amaya “Cookie” Diaz, 19, along with 21-year-old Kyandra Renee Faz. All three have been charged with murder.

Police have not announced a motive, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Now, attention has shifted to arrest footage recorded outside the sisters’ home just hours after the deadly confrontation.

The video, filmed by independent journalist Michael Elizondo, shows officers escorting the two sisters to separate patrol vehicles.

Kitty Diaz, who was barefoot as she was led from the residence, briefly appeared to smile while walking toward a police cruiser.

Moments later, the camera captured her younger sister, Cookie Diaz, smiling broadly, laughing, and calling out, “Stop recording!” toward the person filming.

According to Elizondo, he initially had no idea what crime the women were being arrested for.

“I didn’t know what was going on,” he recalled, explaining that the large police presence convinced him something serious had happened.

The second arrest, however, immediately caught his attention.

“That girl was in a happy mood,” Elizondo said.

“She was all smiling, goofing off like nothing happened.”

He added that after Cookie Diaz was seated inside the patrol vehicle, she reportedly lowered the window, leaned toward the camera, and continued making playful faces.

The footage has fueled intense online discussion, though authorities have not commented on the suspects’ behavior during the arrests.

Meanwhile, investigators continue piecing together what happened during the violent encounter that ended Peña’s life.

According to reports, witnesses allegedly saw the confrontation unfold near a busy Sonic Drive-In before emergency responders arrived.

Friends of the victim describe Peña as a devoted mother who leaves behind five children.

In the hours following the attack, she reportedly remained conscious long enough for loved ones to say goodbye before she was transported to San Antonio.

Her death has devastated family members and friends, many of whom continue asking why the attack happened.

Police have not released any information explaining what may have led to the confrontation.

The case has also revealed another painful detail.

Social media accounts believed to belong to Kitty Diaz show posts about her young son, including a video shared earlier this month celebrating his upcoming fourth birthday.

The discovery has added another layer of sadness to a case already marked by profound loss.

For investigators, however, the focus remains on determining exactly what occurred and presenting the evidence in court.

All three defendants remain charged with murder, and prosecutors are expected to continue building the case as additional evidence is reviewed.

As the legal process begins, the arrest video continues circulating widely online, prompting strong emotional reactions from viewers across the country.

For many, the images have become almost as difficult to process as the crime itself.

A smiling face.

A grieving family.

Five children left without their mother.

And a community still waiting to understand how a violent encounter in broad daylight ended in a tragedy that has shaken Del Rio to its core.

While investigators continue searching for answers, one question remains unanswered:

What led to a confrontation that forever changed so many lives?