Jake Bigoni, 37, faces a murder charge after police found his estranged wife, Eliana Bigoni, dead inside his Plano, Texas, apartment. Officers were conducting a welfare check after Eliana missed a scheduled breakfast and could not be reached. Police said the couple’s two young children were inside the apartment but were not harmed. Bigoni was initially booked on a felony abuse of corpse charge before authorities added the murder charge.
| 1) | Welfare check leads police to Plano apartment |
| 2) | Estranged couple were in divorce proceedings |
| 3) | Police describe evidence found at the apartment |
| 4) | Children were present but not injured |
| 5) | Defendant remains jailed without bond |
Welfare check leads police to Plano apartment
Police went to the apartment on Wednesday after one of Eliana Bigoni‘s friends requested a welfare check. The friend told authorities that Eliana had failed to appear for an 8:30 a.m. breakfast and could not be contacted. According to the arrest warrant, the friend also said Eliana and Jake Bigoni were separated and that Eliana had been expected to pick up their 2-year-old and 5-year-old children.
When officers arrived at the Plano residence, they found Eliana dead. The discovery prompted an initial booking for felony abuse of corpse, while investigators continued examining the circumstances of her death. Police later announced that a murder charge had been added.
Estranged couple were in divorce proceedings
The couple were separated and in the process of divorcing when Eliana was found dead. Authorities said the children were at the apartment during the alleged killing, although neither child was physically harmed. The circumstances of the relationship and the ongoing divorce were part of the information provided to investigators during the welfare check.
Investigators also received information from Jake Bigoni‘s mother. The arrest warrant states that she contacted police after her son called her and allegedly made a statement about Eliana’s death.
“I have something to tell you. She’s dead. We got in a fight and she’s dead.”
Police describe evidence found at the apartment
Officers allegedly observed what appeared to be a large bloodstain on Jake Bigoni‘s shirt when they arrived. The warrant says Bigoni told officers the stain resulted from cleaning. Police then found Eliana Bigoni‘s body in the trunk of a white Hyundai parked in the apartment’s garage.
Authorities said Eliana had major injuries to her head and face. The reported physical evidence, the location of the body and statements described in the warrant formed part of the investigation that led to the murder charge. The allegations have not been tested at trial, and a criminal charge is not a finding of guilt.
Children were present but not injured
Police said the couple’s 2-year-old and 5-year-old children were inside the apartment during the alleged murder. Authorities reported that the children were not harmed. Their presence was also relevant to the welfare check because Eliana had reportedly been on her way to collect them when she missed the breakfast appointment.
The available police account does not provide further details about where the children were located or who took responsibility for them after officers arrived. Officials also cited an alleged history of violent behavior involving Jake Bigoni, though the report did not provide additional details about that history.
Defendant remains jailed without bond
Jake Bigoni was arrested on Wednesday and booked into jail. He was initially held on the abuse of corpse allegation before police added a murder charge in connection with Eliana Bigoni‘s death. Jail records listed him as being held without bond.
The case remains active as investigators and prosecutors address the evidence surrounding the death. Further court proceedings will determine how the allegations are evaluated and what evidence can be presented. No conviction has been reported.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Police found Eliana Bigoni dead during a welfare check in Plano. |
| 2 | Jake Bigoni faces a murder charge and was initially booked on an abuse of corpse charge. |
| 3 | The couple were separated and undergoing divorce proceedings. |
| 4 | The couple’s two children were present but were not injured. |
Summary
The investigation began with a friend’s welfare-check request after Eliana Bigoni missed breakfast and could not be reached. Police found her body in a vehicle trunk at her estranged husband’s apartment and later charged Jake Bigoni with murder. The case remains an allegation, and the defendant is being held without bond while the legal process continues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested in the case?
Jake Bigoni, 37, was arrested and faces a murder charge in connection with the death of his estranged wife, Eliana Bigoni.
Where was Eliana Bigoni found?
Police found her body in the trunk of a white Hyundai parked in the garage of Jake Bigoni‘s Plano apartment.
Why did police conduct a welfare check?
A friend contacted authorities after Eliana missed an 8:30 a.m. breakfast, could not be reached and did not arrive as expected to pick up the couple’s children.
Were the children injured?
Police said the couple’s 2-year-old and 5-year-old children were inside the apartment but were not harmed.
