Texas Man Found Guilty of Tampering with Missing Woman’s Body, Sentenced to Jail and Probation

Texas authorities made a grisly discovery in May 2022 when flies swarming around a parked car and a strong “odor of death” led them to the decomposing body of 24-year-old Angela Mitchell inside the vehicle’s trunk. Now, nearly two years later, the man accused of tampering with her corpse, 49-year-old Christopher Lee Maldonado, has been found guilty and sentenced to 120 days in jail and 10 years of probation, Galveston County Criminal District Attorney Jack Roady announced in a news release.

A Mother’s Mysterious Disappearance

Angela Mitchell, a young mother of an infant, was reported missing on May 6, 2022, after failing to pick up her child, causing immediate concern among her friends and family. Her cousin used the Find My Friends app to track her last known location, which led them near Maldonado’s home in Texas City.

Investigators later learned that Mitchell was a sex worker, and her last known job was on May 5 at Maldonado’s residence, according to prosecutors. As the search for Mitchell continued, her mother officially reported her missing, prompting law enforcement to investigate further.

On May 11, 2022, police discovered Mitchell’s body inside the trunk of an abandoned car in Texas City. By then, her remains had begun decomposing, making it difficult to determine an exact cause of death.

A Web of Suspicious Activities

During Maldonado’s February 2025 trial, prosecutors revealed disturbing details about how he attempted to hide Mitchell’s body. A witness testified that Maldonado paid him $200 to relocate the vehicle where Mitchell’s body was found. However, the witness claimed he had no idea a body was inside the trunk at the time.

Additionally, two teenagers were also recruited by a third party to help move the car for quick cash. One of the teens later testified that she discovered Mitchell’s body in the trunk.

Cause of Death Remains Unknown

Due to the advanced stage of decomposition, medical examiners were unable to determine Mitchell’s exact cause of death. However, they ruled out natural causes and overdose, raising suspicions of foul play.

A Troubling History of Violence

During Maldonado’s sentencing, his ex-wife testified that he had previously attempted to strangle her, suggesting a history of violent behavior. Prosecutors also revealed that Maldonado is currently facing a felony charge for strangulation, separate from the Mitchell case.

Was Justice Served?

Despite the chilling circumstances surrounding Mitchell’s death, Maldonado was not charged with murder due to the lack of a clear cause of death. Instead, he was convicted of tampering with a corpse and sentenced to just 120 days in jail and 10 years of probation.

This verdict has sparked public outrage, with many questioning whether true justice was served in Mitchell’s case. Critics argue that Maldonado’s light sentence does not reflect the severity of his actions.