Kimberly Sotelo Arrested on First-Degree Murder Charge: What We Know So Far

Bastrop, Texas — Regional law enforcement agencies in Central Texas executed a high-profile arrest this week after 34-year-old Kimberly Sotelo was taken into custody on a first-degree felony murder warrant issued out of Austin County. The arrest, which occurred on December 1, 2025, continues to generate public attention as details of the underlying case remain largely sealed.

Key Points

• Arrested December 1, 2025 by Montgomery County Constable Precinct 3.
• Taken into custody without incident along Interstate 45 near the 25000 block.
• Booked into Montgomery County Jail at 12:20 PM and is held without bond.
• The warrant—No. 253160402—originated from Austin County, charging Sotelo with first-degree murder.
• No public details yet on the victim, motive, or timeline of the alleged crime.
• Sotelo’s mugshot is circulating online, drawing widespread public interest.

Arrest Details

Authorities confirmed that deputies located Sotelo at approximately 11:21 AM along a commercial stretch of Interstate 45, a major transportation corridor north of Houston. The Montgomery County Constable Precinct 3, known for handling high volumes of warrant-related arrests, carried out the operation without resistance.

After being transported to the county jail, Sotelo was formally booked at 12:20 PM. Records list her status as “Held—No Bond”, with a teletype notification sent to Austin County indicating she is ready for pickup and further judicial processing.

Background and Context

According to jail information, Sotelo is a Black female, 5’2”, 230 pounds, with brown hair, brown eyes, and multiple tattoos on her neck, right arm, and right leg. Her listed residence is 2110 Main Street, Bastrop, Texas, a city located southeast of Austin.

Notably, Austin County—the jurisdiction pursuing the murder charge—has not released any public statements, arrest affidavits, or court filings related to the case. As of December 3, 2025, no information has been disclosed regarding:

• the identity of the victim,
• the suspected motive,
• or the circumstances surrounding the alleged homicide.

This lack of information is standard in early-stage murder investigations, where authorities must protect evidence and privacy.

Legal Implications

Under Texas Penal Code §19.02, murder is a first-degree felony, carrying penalties of:

• 5 to 99 years in prison or life imprisonment, and
• up to $10,000 in fines.

Since the warrant originated from Austin County, Sotelo will ultimately be extradited there to face arraignment, counsel appointment, and potential bail hearings. No court date has been announced.

Arrest Summary Table

Community Reaction & Online Discussion

Sotelo’s mugshot, now circulating through jail roster websites and social media platforms, has intensified public curiosity. However, authorities have not responded to online speculation or rumors.

Local outlets in Austin County have not published additional reporting, and officials have declined further comment.

What Happens Next

Sotelo is expected to be transported to Austin County for formal judicial proceedings. Because she is held without bond, she will likely remain in custody throughout the initial phases of the case.

Legal analysts note that first-degree murder cases in Texas often involve long pretrial timelines, especially when investigative details remain sealed.

Public Notice

Authorities encourage anyone with information related to the Austin County case to contact:

• Austin County Sheriff’s Office: (979) 865-3111
• Montgomery County Crime Stoppers: anonymous tips accepted