Houston police are searching for a murder suspect who allegedly stabbed his ex-girlfriend and dumped her body in Brays Bayou

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) – Authorities are seeking to arrest a man accused of stabbing his ex-girlfriend to death and dumping her body in a bayou earlier this month.

Oscar Daniel Vega Espinoza, 34, is charged with murder and tampering with evidence in connection with the August 17 incident.

Shortly before 9 a.m., Houston police responded to the discovery of a body “in advanced stages of decomposition” in Brays Bayou near Hockley Street.

The victim, identified in court documents as 30-year-old Ana Clelia Melendez Delarocha, was reportedly found with a stab wound to the chest.

Officials said Delarocha was last seen on Aug. 15 at the Houston Area Women's Center, where she had been staying to escape her abusive partner, identified by authorities as Espinoza.

A facility employee told authorities that Delarocha left the building on foot that night, leaving her personal belongings behind. Her roommate reported that Delarocha had arranged to meet Espinoza to pick up some money and a vacuum cleaner, but she never returned.

Surveillance video from that night shows Delarocha getting into what officers believe to be Espinoza's vehicle.

A few days later, on Aug. 18, officers responded to a welfare check at an apartment complex to determine if Espinoza had Delarocha with him. After failing to make contact with him, officers noticed that a passenger seat was missing from Espinoza's vehicle, according to records.

Further investigation led authorities to charge Espinoza with murder.

Court records also revealed a long history of domestic violence, with Espinoza allegedly attacking, strangling and threatening to kill Delarocha.

Anyone with information regarding Espinoza's whereabouts in this case is asked to contact HPD's Homicide Unit at 713-308-3600 or speak anonymously to Crime Stoppers.

To remain anonymous, tipsters must contact Crime Stoppers directly by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477), submitting an online tip, or using the Crime Stoppers mobile app.

If you or a loved one is ever a victim of domestic violence, you can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233. You can also contact the Houston Area Women's Center at 713-528-2121.

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