Tragic Discovery in Wichita Falls: Keren Martinez Ballesteros Identified as Homicide Victim, Arrest Made
WICHITA FALLS, TX — June 19, 2025 — A sense of deep sorrow has engulfed the Wichita Falls community as authorities confirm that the body found in a field near Cashion was that of 28-year-old Keren Martinez Ballesteros. The discovery has not only ended a desperate search for the missing woman but also launched a chilling murder investigation that has led to the arrest of a man she once called a partner.
According to Sgt. Brett Keith of the Wichita Falls Police Department, officers made the grim discovery late Wednesday, June 18, in a secluded area near Cashion Road and Carriage Lane, north of the city. Ballesteros was found lying in a large open field, her life brutally cut short. Investigators at the scene noted a gunshot wound to her chest, and evidence revealed a shotgun shell wad entangled in her dress—suggesting she was shot at close range.
A Worrying Disappearance Becomes a Nightmare
Ballesteros was first reported missing on Tuesday, June 17, by a concerned friend who hadn’t heard from her since Saturday, June 14. That day, Ballesteros had reportedly planned to visit 20-year-old Matison Johnathan Preville Jr. at his apartment in Mustang Village. Preville, who police now say was the last person seen with Ballesteros, has been charged with her murder. He was arrested and booked into the Wichita County Jail on Thursday, June 19. His bond has been set at $1 million.
The relationship between Ballesteros and Preville was described by those close to her as troubled and volatile. According to police documents, a friend of the victim told authorities that the pair had an on-and-off relationship, and that she feared for Ballesteros’s safety due to Preville’s history of abusive behavior.
Inconsistent Statements and Cold Demeanor
In a disturbing series of interviews detailed in the affidavit, Preville’s behavior raised red flags for investigators. When police arrived at his apartment shortly after the missing person report was filed, Preville stated that he hadn’t seen Ballesteros since Thursday, June 12. Officers noted that he showed no emotional response when informed she had been reported missing.
Investigators pressed him on the nature of their relationship, during which he referred to Ballesteros as his “ex-girlfriend.” However, when officers sought clarification—asking if she was or is his ex—Preville backtracked and answered, “is.” Police also recovered a text message exchange from June 14 in which Preville told Ballesteros he was on his way to pick her up.
Despite his claim that he never saw her that day, surveillance footage from a nearby residence captured a truck matching Preville’s stopping in front of Ballesteros’s home. A person, believed to be Ballesteros, was seen entering the vehicle before it drove away.
Digital Trail Paints a Dark Picture
WFPD obtained search warrants for the phone records of both Preville and Ballesteros. Cell phone data revealed both devices moved throughout Wichita Falls together on June 14 before eventually stopping in a remote area of the Cashion community—the same area where Ballesteros’s body was found. The phones remained stationary in that location for a prolonged period, a chilling digital footprint that ultimately led authorities to the crime scene.
Signs of a Possible Pregnancy
The investigation took an even more tragic turn when a friend of the victim disclosed that Ballesteros might have been pregnant at the time of her death. During a second police interview, Preville allegedly made a comment that raised further alarm. He told officers he didn’t want Ballesteros living with him because he “don’t want no kids running around this place.” Investigators noted this remark as particularly disturbing in light of the possible pregnancy and escalating tensions in their relationship.
Community in Mourning
The death of Keren Martinez Ballesteros has devastated her family, friends, and the broader Wichita Falls community. Those who knew her remember her as a gentle, caring, and resilient woman who had so much more life to live. Her passing is not just a heartbreaking loss but a grim reminder of the realities of intimate partner violence.
As the legal proceedings against Matison Johnathan Preville Jr. unfold, many are left asking difficult questions about how such a tragedy could have been prevented. The Wichita Falls Police Department has urged anyone facing domestic abuse or those who know someone in a harmful situation to seek help and report any concerns.
Seeking Justice
Ballesteros’s family and supporters are now focused on honoring her memory and ensuring that justice is served. A candlelight vigil is being planned in her memory, and calls for stronger support systems for victims of domestic violence are growing louder.
As of now, the investigation remains active, and authorities continue to gather evidence. For the loved ones of Keren Martinez Ballesteros, the arrest marks a step toward justice—but the grief of losing someone so cherished will linger for years to come.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or experiencing domestic violence, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. Help is available 24/7.
