El Paso Medical Examiner Rules Death a Homicide
A 59-year-old man was found dead in an El Paso home, leading to murder charges against a relative.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Violence
The medical examiner has officially ruled the death of 59-year-old David De Coste a homicide following his discovery on August 18, 2026. John Michael De Coste now faces charges of murder and tampering with evidence in connection to the case.
Why it matters
The classification of the death as a homicide by the medical examiner moves the investigation into a formal criminal proceeding. Authorities previously encountered the suspects during a standoff at the residence where the victim was located.
The autopsy confirmed David De Coste died from blunt-force head injuries including skull fractures and a subdural hemorrhage. John Michael De Coste is currently held at the El Paso County Detention Center awaiting further legal proceedings.
The players
David De Coste
He was a 59-year-old man whose death at a home in El Paso was later classified as a homicide.
John Michael De Coste
He is a suspect in the case facing formal charges of murder and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.
El Paso Police Department
This local law enforcement agency responded to the scene and led the investigation into the death.
Idalia De La Torre
She was found barricaded inside the home alongside the primary suspect and was taken into police custody.
El Paso County Detention Center
This facility is currently housing the suspects involved in the criminal investigation.
The details
Police discovered the body in the 6800 block of Villa Hermosa Drive after a neighbor reported a foul odor emanating from the garage. John Michael De Coste and Idalia De La Torre were eventually taken into custody after barricading themselves inside the home for several hours.
Timeline
August 18, 2026: Police responded to the Villa Hermosa Drive residence and discovered the body.
Legal Context
The investigation follows standard protocols established by the El Paso Police Department for forensic death inquiries. Such classifications often serve as the primary legal basis for moving from initial suspicious death reports to formal murder prosecutions.
The incident occurred in a residential area on Villa Hermosa Drive, where police response activities previously caused local disruptions during the standoff. Residents can expect continued police presence as the legal process moves through the court system.
The takeaway
Maintaining awareness of suspicious activity or unusual odors in a neighbor's garage can lead to essential emergency services interventions. Following this incident, the legal system will now determine culpability based on the medical examiner's findings.
Further reading
For more information on safety and regional crime reporting, see our Violence section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KTSM 9 News.
