Christopher Maldonado has been sentenced to probation and jail time for concealing the body of Angela Mitchell, a missing mother of four, in the trunk of her own vehicle, the Galveston County District Attorney’s Office announced on March 4th.
A jury found Maldonado guilty of tampering with a corpse, and a judge sentenced him to 10 years of probation with a condition of 120 days in jail.
The disturbing case began in early May 2022 when Mitchell failed to pick up her infant son, raising concerns among her friends. Her cousin tracked her phone, which was located near Maldonado’s residence.
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On May 6, 2022, Mitchell’s mother reported her missing to the Dickinson Police Department. Days later, detectives located her vehicle in Texas City. The vehicle emitted a strong odor and was swarming with flies. Upon opening the trunk, authorities discovered Mitchell’s decomposing body.
Investigators determined that Mitchell, a sex worker, had last been at Maldonado’s home in Lago Mar on May 5, 2022. The state of decomposition prevented investigators from determining the cause of death, but they ruled out overdose and natural causes.
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence from Maldonado’s cellphone, including his last communication with Mitchell on May 5, 2022, and screenshots of her missing person posters.
A friend of Maldonado testified that he was paid $200 by Maldonado to move Mitchell’s car the night she disappeared. The friend claimed he was unaware of the body in the trunk. One of the teenagers who assisted in moving the vehicle testified that she discovered the body.
Maldonado’s ex-wife also testified, describing him as “manipulative and controlling” and alleging he had strangled her. A strangulation assault charge against Maldonado is pending.
Chief Assistant District Attorney Casey Kirst stated that Maldonado’s actions “robbed Mitchell’s family of the chance to know how she died.”
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