Choc Family Missing: Tragic Update on Aurelia Choc Cac and Her Children in Theodore, Alabama
The Choc family missing case from Theodore, Alabama, has taken a devastating turn. What began as a suspicious disappearance on January 30, 2026, ended in tragedy when the bodies of 40-year-old Aurelia Choc Cac and her two children — 17-year-old Niurka Zuleta Choc and 2-year-old Anthony Garcia Choc — were discovered buried in a wooded area in neighboring Baldwin County.
The FBI and Mobile County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case as a kidnapping with signs of a struggle. A suspect, Hector Argueta-Guerra (also known as Juan Carlos Argueta-Guerra or Hector Gamiliel Argueta Guerra), is now in custody facing multiple capital murder charges.
The #FBI is offering a reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to the location and/or recovery of the three members of the Choc family. Aurelia Choc Cac and her two
Who Was the Choc Family?
Aurelia Choc Cac, 40, lived with her children at the 9000 block of Ben Hamilton Road in Theodore, Alabama. She was last seen wearing a maroon jacket with tan joggers. Her daughter, Niurka Zuleta Choc (also known as Zule), was 17 years old (born February 15, 2008). She stood 5’1″ and weighed 100 pounds, last seen in a black top with plaid pants. The youngest, Anthony Garcia Choc, was just 2 years old (born July 9, 2023). He weighed 30 pounds and was last seen wearing a cartoon-character hoodie with blue jeans.
The family was described by neighbors and investigators as close-knit. Their sudden disappearance on January 30, 2026, left the community in shock.
Timeline of the Disappearance
- January 30, 2026 (around 3:00 p.m.) — The Choc family was last seen at their Theodore residence. Neighbors later reported seeing them around 7:30 p.m.
- January 31, 2026 — Family members were reported missing after neighbors noticed no activity, knocked on the door with no response, and eventually entered through a window. Mobile County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched at 3:04 p.m.
- Investigators immediately noted signs of a struggle inside the home: blood evidence, a missing mattress, and the family’s phones left behind.
The case quickly drew in the FBI’s Mobile Field Office due to its suspicious nature.
3 bodies found in search for missing Alabama family: ‘This was a horrific and gruesome murder’ – al.com
Discovery of the Bodies – March 2026
On March 11, 2026, during a follow-up search of a property linked to the suspect in Baldwin County, authorities found three bodies wrapped in plastic and bedding, buried together in makeshift graves in a lightly wooded area off Downing Road in Summerdale.
Mobile County Sheriff Paul Burch announced the grim discovery on March 12. Forensic testing later positively confirmed the identities as Aurelia Choc Cac, Niurka Zuleta Choc, and Anthony Garcia Choc. Autopsies revealed the victims were killed with an “edged weapon” in what officials described as a “horrific and gruesome murder.” Jewelry bearing the names of Aurelia and Anthony was recovered with the bodies.
Suspect and Charges
Hector Argueta-Guerra, 31, was arrested early in the investigation and initially charged with three counts of first-degree kidnapping. He has gang ties and a documented violent criminal history in El Salvador. Authorities later revealed his true identity after he provided aliases.
Following the recovery of the bodies, prosecutors upgraded the charges to eight counts of capital murder (including murder during kidnapping, during burglary, of two or more persons, and of a child under 14), plus abuse of a corpse and obstruction of justice. He has pleaded not guilty and is being held without bond. The state is seeking the death penalty. His next court appearance is scheduled for April 6, 2026.
3 bodies found in missing family case, suspect expected to face capital murder charges
FBI Reward and Ongoing Investigation
The FBI had offered a reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to the location and/or recovery of the Choc family. Although the victims have been found, authorities continue to investigate whether additional suspects or federal charges may apply. The Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, FBI, Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations worked jointly on the case.
How You Can Still Help
If you have any information about the events surrounding the Choc family disappearance or the suspect, contact authorities immediately:
- Mobile County Sheriff’s Office
- FBI Mobile Field Office or submit a tip at tips.fbi.gov (mention the Choc family)
- Toll-free FBI tipline: 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324)
Tips can remain anonymous.
This case has deeply affected the Theodore and Mobile County communities. Vigils and social media campaigns under hashtags like #ChocFamily and #RememberingTheChocFamily continue as loved ones seek justice.
The Choc family’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of the importance of community vigilance and swift law enforcement action. Our thoughts remain with their extended family and friends.
If you have information, please come forward today.
FAQs
Q: Who were the victims in the Choc family case?
The victims were 40-year-old Aurelia Choc Cac (also referred to as Aurelia Choc Cac De Tiul), her 17-year-old daughter Niurka Zuleta Choc (also known as Zule or Niurka Zuleta Shamaytan Tiul Choc), and her 2-year-old son Anthony Garcia Choc. The family lived on the 9000 block of Ben Hamilton Road in Theodore, Alabama. They were described by neighbors as a close-knit family. Aurelia and the children were originally from Guatemala.
Q: When did the family go missing and when were their bodies found?
The family was last seen at their home on January 30, 2026 (around 3:00 p.m., with neighbors reporting possible sightings until about 7:30 p.m.). They were reported missing on January 31, 2026, after neighbors noticed no activity and found signs of a struggle inside the home. The bodies were discovered on March 11, 2026, during a follow-up search of a property in Baldwin County linked to the suspect. They were buried together in makeshift graves in a lightly wooded area off Downing Road in Summerdale. Forensic identification was officially confirmed in late March 2026, and next of kin were notified.
Q: How were the victims killed?
All three victims died from sharp force trauma caused by an “edged weapon” (stab wounds). Court records indicate:
- Aurelia suffered wounds to the chest and back.
- 2-year-old Anthony had trauma to the head.
- Niurka also sustained deadly sharp force trauma. Officials, including Mobile County District Attorney Keith Blackwood and Sheriff Paul Burch, described the murders as “horrific and gruesome.”
Q: Who is the suspect and what charges does he face?
The suspect is Hector Gamiliel Argueta-Guerra (also known as Hector Gamaliel Argueta Guerra, Juan Carlos Argueta-Guerra, or “Gama”), age 27–31 depending on the source. He is a certified member of the Sureños gang with ties to the Mexican Mafia and has a violent criminal history in El Salvador, including active terrorism warrants. He entered the U.S. illegally and was previously ordered deported but released by federal immigration authorities in 2021. He was arrested on February 9, 2026, initially on three counts of first-degree kidnapping. Charges were upgraded after the bodies were found to include:
- Three counts of capital murder during kidnapping
- Three counts of capital murder during burglary
- Capital murder of two or more persons
- Capital murder of a child under 14
- Three counts of abuse of a corpse
- Obstruction of justice (for providing a false identity)
He has pleaded not guilty, is being held without bond, and the state is seeking the death penalty. His next court appearance (preliminary hearing) is scheduled for April 6, 2026.
Q: What is known about the motive?
No clear motive has been publicly released. Sheriff Paul Burch has stated that investigators are still trying to determine why the family was targeted, noting, “What motive would there be for killing a 2-year-old?” Court filings allege the suspect entered the home armed with an edged weapon and kidnapped the family “with the intent to commit sexual or physical harm,” but the full motive remains under investigation.
Q: Were there signs of a struggle or how was the suspect linked to the crime?
Yes. When the home was entered on January 31, investigators found blood evidence (including DNA linked to one of the victims), signs of a struggle, the family’s phones left behind, and a missing mattress. Surveillance video reportedly showed a black van associated with the suspect entering and leaving the property multiple times. The bodies were found wrapped in plastic and bedding at a property linked to the suspect.
Q: Is the suspect the only person involved?
As of the latest updates, authorities have not publicly identified any additional suspects, but the investigation remains active. The FBI, Mobile County Sheriff’s Office, Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security Investigations continue to examine whether others were involved or if federal charges may apply.
Q: What happened to the FBI reward?
The FBI offered a reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to the location and/or recovery of the family. With the bodies recovered, the reward for location is no longer active, but tips about additional details, accomplices, or the events surrounding the case are still encouraged and can be submitted anonymously.
Q: How can someone submit tips or help the family?
Contact:
- Mobile County Sheriff’s Office
- FBI Mobile Field Office (tips.fbi.gov – mention the Choc family)
- Toll-free FBI tipline: 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324)
The family’s extended relatives (including Aurelia’s sisters) have expressed grief and are seeking assistance to repatriate the bodies to Guatemala for burial. A GoFundMe has been mentioned in some reports to help raise funds for this purpose.
Q: How has the community responded?
The case has deeply shocked the Theodore and Mobile County communities. Vigils have been held, and social media campaigns using hashtags like #ChocFamily and #RememberingTheChocFamily continue. Officials and neighbors have emphasized the importance of community vigilance.
Sources: Official FBI wanted notice, Mobile County Sheriff’s Office press conferences (March 12–27, 2026), court documents, and reporting from AL.com, FOX10 News, WKRG, and WALA.
