New Jersey Woman Who Allegedly Killed Wife With Wine Chiller Apprehended In Texas

A New Jersey fugitive who allegedly beat her wife to death with a wine chiller before fleeing the scene has been captured in Texas.

A search to find Mayra Gavilanez-Alectus, 48, ensued after she allegedly murdered her wife, Rebecca Gavilanez-Alectus, 32, over the weekend, according to a joint statement released by the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office and Brick Township Police Department.

Brick Township Police were called to a home on Sunday for a report of an unresponsive female. When first responders arrived, they discovered the “lifeless body of Rebecca Gavilanez-Alectus in an upstairs bedroom of the residence,” according to the statement. A post-mortem examination of Rebecca’s body determined she had been murdered at the home where both she and Mayra lived.

Mayra and Rebecca Gavilanez Alectus Photo: Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office; Facebook

“The investigation further revealed that a cylindrical container used for the purpose of chilling wine was utilized in the commission of the murder,” the statement reads. “The injuries sustained by Rebecca Gavilanez-Alectus were consistent with the implementation of this item. Further investigation ultimately determined that Mayra Gavilanez-Alectus did, in fact, cause the victim’s death.”

A warrant was issued for Mayra’s arrest and investigators asked the public for help earlier this week in tracking her down. 

Mayra was captured in Houston, Texas by Wednesday, the Daily Voice reported Thursday. She is being held in Harris County Jail and is awaiting an extradition back to Ocean County, News Jersey.

It's not clear if she has obtained a lawyer who can speak on her behalf.

Just about a week before Rebecca’s murder, Mayra expressed gratitude towards her wife in a Mother’s Day Facebook post. 

"Mi amor gracias for all the uncountable ways you make this little crazy family [...] and my entire life better with every moment,” she wrote, adding "I truly blessed that you are my wife.”