TOOELE CITY, Utah — A Utah mother was found dead inside her Tesla after authorities say her boyfriend allegedly crashed a pickup truck into the vehicle and shot her following an argument.
Silvia Bahena-Mota, 37, was discovered deceased Monday, Aug. 31, inside her car at her Tooele City home, according to the Tooele City Police Department.
Officers responding to a report of a shooting found a disturbing scene inside the home’s garage. A pickup truck had crashed into the rear of the Tesla, according to a police booking affidavit.
Authorities arrested 37-year-old Daniel Ruesga in connection with Bahena-Mota’s death.
Investigators say Ruesga later told them that he had intentionally crashed into Bahena-Mota’s Tesla and shot her multiple times after the two became involved in an argument.
Four Children Were Inside the Home
The case has become even more devastating because Bahena-Mota’s four children were reportedly inside the residence when the incident occurred.
According to the arrest document cited by local news outlets, the children heard the entire incident and later discovered their mother deceased.
The children are 4, 9, 10 and 14 years old.
Their mother’s death has left the family and community searching for ways to support them. A GoFundMe fundraiser has been established to help provide assistance for the children following the loss of their mother.
The fundraiser described Bahena-Mota as a devoted single mother who worked hard every day to provide for her children.
Her friend and co-worker Debbie Gittins Castagno also remembered her as someone who consistently made people around her feel welcomed and valued.
Ruesga Had Previous Domestic Violence Case
Authorities are also examining Ruesga’s history following a 2025 domestic violence-related case.
According to court records cited by local news outlets, Ruesga pleaded no contest following a June 2025 incident to a misdemeanor property damage charge that carried an “enhanceable for domestic violence” designation.
As part of that case, he was placed on probation and ordered to undergo anger-management screening and treatment. It has not been immediately established whether that earlier case involved Bahena-Mota.
However, the previous case has drawn renewed attention following the fatal shooting and the allegations now facing Ruesga.
Real Estate Agent Had Community Role
Ruesga was also known in the Tooele community through his professional and civic activities.
He was a licensed real estate agent and served as an ambassador for the Tooele Chamber of Commerce, according to KUTV.
The latest allegations have raised questions about whether the organization was aware of his previous domestic violence-related case.
A request for comment had been made to the Chamber, but it was not immediately clear whether officials were aware of the history described in court records.
The contrast between Ruesga’s public professional role and the allegations now against him has added another layer to the case.
Man Faces Multiple Charges
Ruesga has been booked on murder and domestic violence presence of child–criminal homicide charges, according to Tooele County jail records.
He faces four counts of the criminal homicide charge, corresponding to the presence of the four children during the alleged incident, according to reports citing court documents.
It was not immediately clear whether Ruesga had entered pleas to the new charges or whether he had retained an attorney who could speak on his behalf.
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The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding Bahena-Mota’s death.
Community Mourns Utah Mother
Friends and community members are now remembering Bahena-Mota as a hardworking mother who devoted herself to her children.
Her family and supporters have launched a fundraiser as they face the difficult task of caring for the children while mourning their mother.
The case has also renewed concerns about how previous domestic violence allegations are handled and whether additional safeguards could prevent future violence.
For now, authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, while Ruesga remains accused of killing Bahena-Mota.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
What are your thoughts on this case and the concerns surrounding the previous domestic violence-related allegations? Share your thoughts in the comments.