Police investigating after mother’s 2022 death ruled homicide, son charged with aggravated assault

LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - Lubbock police are investigating the 2022 death of 60-year-old Julie Arellano after the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s office ruled it a homicide.

On Feb. 2, 2022, officers responded to reports of an assault near 32nd and Milwaukee Ave. Upon arrival, officers were told Arellano was already transported to Covenant.

Investigators believe Arellano was assaulted by her son, 32-year-old Auston Arellano. He was initially arrested on charges of assault. Ms. Arellano was later placed on hospice; she died months later on Dec. 16, 2022.

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Her death was investigated by the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s office, where it was ruled a homicide, prompting the Lubbock Police Department to begin its investigation.

Arellano was also arrested in Nov. 2022 in Guadalupe County on a burglary charge. While in custody, police realized he had several warrants out of Lubbock.

He was transferred back to Lubbock County on Dec. 29, 2022, almost two weeks after the death of his mother.

On May 12, he was also charged with aggravated assault of a family member with a deadly weapon.

He is being held on a $305,000 bond.

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