DNA Leads to Arrest of ‘Monster’ in Texas Woman’s Beating, Sexual Assault, and Burning Death on Walking Trail
BEXAR COUNTY, TEXAS — More than a year after a 63-year-old Texas woman was found beaten, sexually assaulted, and burned along a walking trail, authorities say DNA evidence has led to the arrest of her alleged killer — a man the sheriff called a “monster.”
23-year-old Samuel Aquim Charon was taken into custody on Wednesday and charged with capital murder and tampering with a corpse in the death of Stacey Dramiga, a beloved wife, mother, and health care worker who was killed after leaving for her morning walk in September 2024, the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office confirmed.
A Morning Walk That Ended in Horror
According to Sheriff Javier Salazar, Dramiga left her home in northwest Bexar County for one of her regular Sunday morning walks on September 22, 2024, but never returned. Her family initially assumed she had gone on a long route — until hours passed with no sign of her.
The following morning, September 23, officers and volunteers discovered her partially burned body along a walking trail. Dramiga had suffered “blunt, penetrating trauma to the head” and evidence showed she had been sexually assaulted, Salazar said during a press conference this week.
At the time, investigators recovered a rock believed to be the murder weapon and gathered DNA evidence from the crime scene. Despite multiple leads and arrests for unrelated offenses, the case remained unsolved for over a year.
DNA Database Breaks the Case Wide Open
The major breakthrough came earlier this month when investigators were notified of a DNA match through CODIS, the FBI-managed DNA database.
Charon had been arrested in April 2025 on a criminal mischief charge, during which a new Texas law required officials to collect DNA from all arrestees. That DNA profile was uploaded into CODIS and later flagged as a potential match to the genetic material recovered from Dramiga’s body and the weapon.
“Just a few days ago, on October 13, we got a call that broke this case wide open for us,” Sheriff Salazar said.
Investigators obtained a search warrant to collect additional DNA from Charon’s home, which the medical examiner later confirmed matched the DNA found at the murder scene.
Sheriff Calls the Suspect a ‘Monster’
After his arrest, Charon was escorted in handcuffs from his home to the Bexar County Adult Detention Center as reporters gathered outside. Sheriff Salazar didn’t mince words when describing the suspect.
“That man y’all just met out there is a monster,” Salazar told the media.
Officials said Charon offered little information during questioning, refusing to explain his motive or relationship — if any — to Dramiga.
Justice After a Year of Uncertainty
Dramiga’s family had waited more than 12 months for answers. Sheriff Salazar praised his detectives for their persistence and the role of DNA technology in finally identifying the suspect.
“This case is a reminder that we never stop working for victims and their families,” he said.
Charon is being held without bond on the capital murder charge, which carries the possibility of life in prison or the death penalty.
Forensic technology continues to play a crucial role in solving cold cases, ensuring justice for victims who might otherwise be forgotten.
Stay connected with ChicagoMusicGuide.com for ongoing updates on major crime stories, justice efforts, and community awareness across the nation.