MIDLAND, TX –– Nearly two weeks after Midland first responders found the charred remains of 25-year-old Saffire M. Armenta, police have arrested a suspect in connection to the case.
Earlier this month, MPD and MFD were dispatched to a home for reports of a structure fire. When first responders arrived at the scene they found a woman's body on fire.
The preliminary investigation resulted in the victim's boyfriend, 37-year-old Sergio Antonio Cerna, becoming a suspect in the case.
According to court documents, Cerna sent the victim a plethora of threatening messages like, "Your car is going to be burned down then you will be next."
Another message state Cerna wanted to see her "plead for your fingers and your life.”
On Tuesday, Cerna was arrested in Reeves County on unrelated charges. After speaking with Cerna about Armenta's death, the Midland Sheriff County Office issued a capital murder warrant for Cerna.
Cerna told police the last time he spoke with the victim was on October 28th when she stole 8 ounces of crystal meth from him.
Additional messages show Cerna accused the victim of being a "snitch" and said her death would be an "example for the rest."
Police allege Cerna killed Armenta in retaliation for the drugs. Cerna also failed a polygraph exam conducted in Reeves County.
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