(Image Source: Los Angeles Times)
BY EVAN BUSH
ANCHOR ANA COMPAIN-ROMERO
A California man arrested for beating his girlfriend to death -- killing both her and their unborn child -- reportedly turned to Facebook to tell his side of the story while on the run. Last Wednesday, police say 23-year-old Willie Davis Hines and his 24-year-old girlfriend Tatjana Cruz apparently got into a deadly argument.
KABC has some background.
“Sheriffs were called to the home on Blue Sage Road after neighbors heard a loud and violent argument inside. When she was transported to the hospital on Wed. she was suffering severe blunt trauma. When she was admitted to the hospital, that’s when the fetus she was carrying was declared deceased.”
“Cruz died two days later after she was removed from life support.”
That’s when KABC reports-- just hours later, someone thought to be Willie Hines
took to Facebook to explain his side of the story. Hines had been in hiding since the incident. Here’s a taste of the post.
“This letter is in complete acceptance of my actions. What took place on that day was a disaster it was obscene and hurtful to those who cared and loved Me...”
Later he went on to say:
“It was [an] ACCIDENT. All I am saying Is please get all the facts before you point the finger and call me a beast, a monster, someone who should be killed. … I would never intentionally try to kill or detrimentally hurt the mother of my now deceased child.”
“Cruz’s sister, Aja Cruz, 17, was still reeling from the loss of her sister Friday and said soon after that she was struggling to believe Hines would be capable of physically beating her sister as he had always spoken out against violence against women.”
By Tuesday morning, more than 270 people had commented on the post, and it had turned into a back and forth between Hines’ supporters and those who doubted his story. Tijeron Black was one the first to post, writing...
TIJERON BLACK:
“I love you with all my heart bro. Don’t u ever forget that. I am so sorry that about everything. I hope that u stay strong, and make peace with ur demons. U ALWAYS and I mean ALWAYS have a friend in me...Dont ever hesitate to contact me if u need somethin. I still here for u....”
But commenter Kayleigh Bloom didn’t have the same sympathy...
“Are u serious? Which hit was an accident? The one that killed her?”
Police told KABC they’d seen the Hines’ post about the incident and would like to talk to their primary suspect in the case.
The Associated Press reports Hines was arrested last Thursday morning and is being charged with two counts of murder. He was caught after reportedly telling a mall security guard he was wanted for murder.
And unfortunately for him -- his Facebook post might not have been the best idea. Earlier this year, Washington state man was charged with raping a nine-year-old after he updated his status to apologize for his actions. Here’s the Columbia Basin Herald.
“...police discovered Carpenter allegedly confessed to raping the victim and molesting a female relative on his Facebook page, according to the police report. In his status update, he allegedly wrote he didn't expect to be forgiven, but he wanted to apologize for his actions.”
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