In a significant development in a cold case, police in Beaumont, Texas, have arrested a suspect in the 2021 murder of Shanequa Castaneda. The 43-year-old Michael Denson faces charges following a tip received by Crime Stoppers, which led investigators to him. Denson has reportedly admitted to killing Castaneda, whose body was discovered in her apartment at the El Camino Homes.
More than four years after her sister’s death, Patiaunce McCall is sharing memories of Castaneda’s life and legacy. “We’re like two peas in a pod. You saw her, you saw me,” McCall expressed in an interview with local news outlet 12News. She described the profound impact of her sister’s absence, stating that moving to Beaumont without her was incredibly difficult.
Shanequa’s Legacy as an Advocate
Castaneda was not only a beloved sister but also a passionate advocate for women facing domestic violence. According to McCall, her sister helped numerous women escape abusive situations. “It’s crazy how many women that she got out of domestic violence situations,” she recalled, naming at least seven individuals, including herself, whom Castaneda supported during tough times.
Originally born premature and facing significant health challenges, Castaneda grew into a strong and caring person. McCall reflected on their shared experiences, stating, “Every day with her was a gift because we shouldn’t even have the years we had with her.” The sisters moved to Beaumont in 2004 in search of a fresh start, a move that would ultimately lead to Castaneda’s tragic fate.
As the investigation unfolds, McCall recalls the troubling dynamics of her sister’s relationship with Denson. “She was helping him, and it turned into a relationship,” McCall explained. After Castaneda’s death, the family learned more about the extent of the abuse she suffered. “We discovered how deep it went…and how far the abuse went,” she lamented.
A Call for Awareness and Action
In light of the recent developments, McCall hopes that Castaneda’s story serves as a beacon of hope for others experiencing domestic violence. “For those women out there and others that may be experiencing some type of domestic violence, please seek help,” she urged. “She’d want that. I feel like that’s what her legacy has become.”
Denson is currently facing a murder charge as the family continues to process their grief. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. You can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for support and resources.
