TYLER, Texas — After her murderer pleaded guilty Tuesday, the family of a Diamond Samantha Cruz said they now have some closure for a loved one with a big smile, love for her children and warm personality.
Cruz, 21, of Tyler, was killed Aug. 9, 2020 at a Smith County home. She was the mother to Adali and Nathaniel.
On Tuesday, the father of her children, Catalino Castillo Marin Jr., 23, entered a guilty plea in the 7th District Court and was sentenced to 33 years in prison.
Cruz was found dead at a home in the 8700 block of County Road 384 in Tyler at about 5:30 a.m. Aug. 9, 2020. Marin was later arrested by Tyler police that same day, the Smith County Sheriff's Office said.
Arrest documents showed Marin initially told detectives the shooting was an accident but investigators said he gave a conflicting recollection of events, such as claiming they fought over the gun.
In a sheriff’s office interview, police noted Marin referred to Cruz as “the body” or “it” when discussing the shooting. His body language went from calm to trembling, stammering and crossing his arms when discussing the discrepancies. The detectives also said Marin showed no signs of remorse toward Cruz, the arrest affidavit read.
Diamond's mother Dalila Lopez Morales, who attended the court hearing, said the conclusion of the case brings mixed emotions of a chapter closing yet still missing her beloved daughter.
"I'm happy this comes to an end and I got to face him. And I got to tell them what I thought about him," Morales said. "I will always miss her. She was my daughter. And I will always miss her and but I'm happy we came to an end on this murder case."
Diamond was always smiling, making people laugh and taking care of her babies, her mom said.
"She was just awesome. And I remember like going out shopping (and) going to Olive Garden because she loved the soup," Morales said. "And she was just so fun to be around with. And I miss her. That's something that I'll never get back."
Despite the pain of losing Diamond, Morales said she doesn't hold a grudge or hate Marin.
"That's not in my God-given nature to hate. I don't hate anybody. I'm hurt by what he did. By taking my daughter, I'm hurt. But I don't hate him," Morales said. "Most importantly, his punishment is not earthly. I know God said, 'Vengeance is mine.' So it's up to him and the Lord for him to ask for forgiveness."
Diamond was a domestic violence victim, Morales said. After losing her daughter, she hopes there can be more resources for victims and they can be encouraged to speak up.
"She didn't really talk about it. I was offering her a lot of help. But he convinced her, she'd go back with him. And she went back," Morales said. "And she only lasted three months with him. I wouldn't want nobody else to go through that. She always hoped he was going to change."
She added, "I wish I could have helped my daughter, but it's never too late. And there's there's hope."
Morales said Diamond's kids are now in being raised in a safe, Christian home.
Diamond's sister Amanda Cruz also encouraged victims of domestic violence to reach out for help and not suffer in silence.
"If you have kids, do it for your kids. For the men and women that do get abused, please don't wait until it's too late because it could cost you your life," Amanda said. "It is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Just don't wait till it's too late, please, because it's not worth it."
A 24/7 hotline is available through the East Texas Crisis Center for victims and survivors of domestic violence at 903-595-5591 or 800-333-0358.
Amanda added that she and her family are happy to see that Diamond "finally got justice."
"She didn't deserve this. She did not deserve to die. She was so amazing. And we'll miss her every day," Amanda said. "We know her kids will miss her so much, just like we do."
Through her children, Amanda said that they always have two pieces of Diamond with them.