Houston man charged with murder after mother's body found in duffel bag

Arman Alexander Malik, 34, faces murder and tampering charges following the discovery of his 73-year-old mother’s body in a Houston-area home. Authorities were called to the residence on Valley Knoll Drive for a welfare check after family members reported they could not reach Dyna Guadalupe Sorto De Malik.

Upon entering the home, Harris County Sheriff’s deputies reported finding Malik asleep in a bedroom. In a nearby room, investigators discovered a duffel bag containing Sorto De Malik’s body, which had been wrapped in blood-stained sheets and a rug. The body was reportedly in a state of significant decomposition.

Investigators allege that Malik attempted to obstruct the investigation by disabling the home’s security system, moving surveillance cameras, and altering his mother’s phone settings to prevent access. Detectives noted that Malik appeared to have dried blood under his nails and scratches on his hands at the time of his arrest. Malik was detained at the Harris County Jail and was reportedly under the influence of an unknown substance during his apprehension.