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

On September 1, Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a welfare check call after a family member expressed concerns they could not reach Dyna Sorto De Malik, a 73-year-old woman living in west Harris County, Texas. Upon entering the home at Valley Knoll Drive, deputies detected a strong smell of decomposition, according to court records.

Inside, they discovered the woman's body wrapped in bloody sheets and a rug within a duffel bag, her hands showing signs of dried blood and scratches. Deputy Malik, her 34-year-old son, was initially taken to the hospital following a loss of consciousness; he was later arrested and charged with murder and tampering with a corpse.

The investigation reveals Malik had disabled three Blink security cameras before her body was found. Additionally, investigators found evidence of deep injuries on Malik's hands, leading to the suspicion that he had struck his mother with his hands. Malik's defence attorney revealed psychological issues and the need for medical treatment during his court appearance, setting a $1 million bond for both charges against him.