Port Aransas police found Erin Benavides, 54, dead in a home on Oct. 14 after receiving a call for a wellness check, Lt. Joseph Rivas said. Authorities believe the death was a suicide. The investigation was still pending as of Oct. 28, Rivas said.
Benavides served as an assistant district attorney in the 38th Judicial District from Jan. 17, 2023, through Aug. 31, 2026. She worked in a state grant-funded position on the Anti-Gang and Border Prosecution Unit. Earlier, she worked in child welfare, including as CEO of the Youth Center of South Texas.
Rivas said Benavides appeared to be living alone and unemployed at the time of her death and had recently moved. If you or someone you know needs help, call or text 988 to reach the national suicide and crisis lifeline.