Denton police arrest man accused of fatally shooting girlfriend back in March

After a seven-month long investigation, the family of a 26-year-old Denton woman could soon have justice.

DENTON, Texas - After a seven-month long investigation, the family of a 26-year-old Denton woman could soon have justice.

Denton police announced Friday that 39-year-old Zeniff Rudd shot and killed his girlfriend, Mindy Tenerias, back on March 6.

"My neighbor here said that we was afraid for the girlfriend because she stood up for herself," William Alrich said.

The couple’s neighbor, Alrich, remembers the early morning crime scene.

According to police, Rudd called 911 around 1 a.m., claiming he was asleep when he heard a gun go off in the apartment.

Rudd told investigators the "gun fell, fired on its own, and shot his girlfriend."

Tenerias was rushed to the hospital where she died.

"Our detectives, from day one, were looking at this and needed to thoroughly investigate this death," said Amy Cunningham, with the Denton Police Department.

Days after the shooting, Rudd wrote on social media "March 6th, 2021 is the worst day of my life. I don’t believe I have ever felt pain like that. I lost the best part of my life."

He also posted photos of Tenerias’ funeral, writing "I lost my whole world when Mindy passed away. I don’t know what to do anymore or how to feel. All i can do is dedicate the rest of my life to my love."

Meanwhile, Denton police said Rudd was interviewed multiple times over several months, but his story always stayed the same.

Rudd said he was lying in bed, heard a gunshot, and found Tenerias on the floor with a gunshot wound.

"It’s important to note these things take time," Cunningham said. "This wasn’t an open and shut kind of case."

Police said lab results led the medical examiner to rule Tenerias’ death as a homicide back in October.

Denton detectives didn’t disclose what tests they were waiting on or what specific evidence changed the course of the investigation.

After a murder warrant was issued, U.S. Marshals tracked down Rudd at a homeless shelter in Dallas, where he was taken into custody Thursday evening.

Meanwhile, neighbors at the complex can’t help but think back to when they saw the couple last.

"There had been a lot of arguing over there and we thought something bad would happen," Alrich recalled. "I think it’s good that the family knows what really happened."

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