Family of San Juana Macias, slain mom of 6, seeking online donations

The grieving family of San Juana Macias, who was found dead last week in a motel in Northeast Austin, has established an online fundraiser to help cover the cost of a funeral and other expenses.

Macias, a mother of six, according to a GoFundMe page established on July 10, was found dead under a mattress at a Rodeway Inn in the 62010 block of U.S. 290 East on July 9.

She was last seen July 5 leaving her apartment in the 1100 block of Clayton Lane with her boyfriend, Jamie Jerome Wingwood, according to Austin police.

On July 7, one of Macias’ daughters called police to report that no one had seen or heard from her in days. According to an arrest warrant affidavit filed against Wingwood, one of his relatives told police the same day that he sent a text to her that said: “I love you always. I’m fixing to be gone forever. I really f----- up this time. I’m leaving town. Right now.”

The document said he also told the relative “I killed her.”

Wingwood was arrested in Louisiana last week after a police chase that lasted more than an hour. According to the affidavit, an Austin police detective traveled to Louisiana to interview Wingwood, who admitted to killing Macias.

Officers later found her corpse stuffed into a box spring under a bed at the motel, police said.

Wingwood was initially booked on charges related to the chase, but was later charged with aggravated assault and tampering with a corpse, police said.

The GoFundMe page had raised $4,841 of a $5,000 goal by Tuesday morning. All proceeds will go to Macias’ children, the page said.

“San Juana Macias, loving mother of 6, was murdered during a domestic violence dispute. Her children are asking for help with her funeral expenses. She did not have life insurance. Her children should not have to worry about cost at this time. They have endured an immeasurable amount of pain already. Please take time out to help this family,” the page said.