Oklahoma Woman Convicted Of Murdering And Hiding Body For 3 Years To Get SS Benefits
Nov 16, 2023, 02:00 AM
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Desiree Sanchez, also known as Desiree Fransen, has been convicted of murder after allegedly killing her sister-in-law, Margarita Sandoval, and conspiring to collect her Social Security benefits over a span of more than three years.
The story unfolded four months ago when Desiree and her husband, Octavio Sanchez, were sentenced to seven years in federal prison on charges of aggravated identity theft and conspiracy to commit a crime against the United States, as revealed in a June news release from the Department of Justice.
Court documents unveiled a plot where the couple kept Margarita Sandoval's death a secret to continue receiving her government benefits. Sandoval, who had a severe intellectual disability, received Social Security payments totaling over $30,000 between February 2018 and May 2021, which the couple allegedly kept for themselves.
The discovery of Margarita's remains came to light in 2021 when a report to the Norman Police Department led investigators to a box in the couple's basement. The badly decomposed body was found wrapped in thick layers of plastic.
Authorities from the Cleveland County District Attorney's Office stated that Sandoval's body had been hidden in various residences for three years before its discovery. Shockingly, between Sanchez and Fransen, Facebook messages revealed discussions about moving the body around their home to combat the smell.
The couple, gripped by paranoia, believed that Sandoval's spirit was haunting them. Facebook messages detailed their bizarre conversations about Margarita interfering with their ability to use their phones and haunting them due to their knowledge of their actions.
On Facebook in May 2018, Octavio Sanchez wrote: "I'm being haunted by this trash.
"You know I don't believe in paranormal things but ... she is trying to attack me and not just in my sleep. ... I got up to get the phone to call you, and I couldn't move. I was sitting on bed and she was holding me down."
"Trust me," Desiree Sanchez responded. "She does it to me every night. ... You have to ask for protection from evil."
The husband then wrote: "I couldn't move and looking probably crazy punching the thin air."
She knows "what I did," the wife responded, adding, "I'm not there and she's taking it out on you."
In one message, Octavio instructed Fransen to falsely claim responsibility if the police were to inquire about the odor, while another message contained a chilling threat of harm if she reported him.
The investigation took another turn when the remains were found in the basement of Miguel Angel Munoz, who is now charged with accessory to murder in the first degree. Munoz reported Octavio's chilling statement that "Desiree started it, and I had to finish it," adding a layer of complexity to the case.
Federal charges of conspiracy and aggravated identity theft were brought against Sanchez and Fransen, who pleaded guilty in January. They now face a restitution of $34,112 for the ill-gotten gains from their scheme.
Despite initial attempts to place the blame solely on Octavio, a message from Fransen stating, "You didn't do it though, honestly," disproved the notion. Fransen has now been found guilty of Murder in the First Degree and Unlawful Removal of a Dead Body.
The jury, acknowledging the severity of the crimes, has recommended life imprisonment with the possibility of parole. The sentencing is scheduled to take place in early 2024.
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The story unfolded four months ago when Desiree and her husband, Octavio Sanchez, were sentenced to seven years in federal prison on charges of aggravated identity theft and conspiracy to commit a crime against the United States, as revealed in a June news release from the Department of Justice.
Court documents unveiled a plot where the couple kept Margarita Sandoval's death a secret to continue receiving her government benefits. Sandoval, who had a severe intellectual disability, received Social Security payments totaling over $30,000 between February 2018 and May 2021, which the couple allegedly kept for themselves.
The discovery of Margarita's remains came to light in 2021 when a report to the Norman Police Department led investigators to a box in the couple's basement. The badly decomposed body was found wrapped in thick layers of plastic.
Authorities from the Cleveland County District Attorney's Office stated that Sandoval's body had been hidden in various residences for three years before its discovery. Shockingly, between Sanchez and Fransen, Facebook messages revealed discussions about moving the body around their home to combat the smell.
The couple, gripped by paranoia, believed that Sandoval's spirit was haunting them. Facebook messages detailed their bizarre conversations about Margarita interfering with their ability to use their phones and haunting them due to their knowledge of their actions.
On Facebook in May 2018, Octavio Sanchez wrote: "I'm being haunted by this trash.
"You know I don't believe in paranormal things but ... she is trying to attack me and not just in my sleep. ... I got up to get the phone to call you, and I couldn't move. I was sitting on bed and she was holding me down."
"Trust me," Desiree Sanchez responded. "She does it to me every night. ... You have to ask for protection from evil."
The husband then wrote: "I couldn't move and looking probably crazy punching the thin air."
She knows "what I did," the wife responded, adding, "I'm not there and she's taking it out on you."
In one message, Octavio instructed Fransen to falsely claim responsibility if the police were to inquire about the odor, while another message contained a chilling threat of harm if she reported him.
The investigation took another turn when the remains were found in the basement of Miguel Angel Munoz, who is now charged with accessory to murder in the first degree. Munoz reported Octavio's chilling statement that "Desiree started it, and I had to finish it," adding a layer of complexity to the case.
Federal charges of conspiracy and aggravated identity theft were brought against Sanchez and Fransen, who pleaded guilty in January. They now face a restitution of $34,112 for the ill-gotten gains from their scheme.
Despite initial attempts to place the blame solely on Octavio, a message from Fransen stating, "You didn't do it though, honestly," disproved the notion. Fransen has now been found guilty of Murder in the First Degree and Unlawful Removal of a Dead Body.
The jury, acknowledging the severity of the crimes, has recommended life imprisonment with the possibility of parole. The sentencing is scheduled to take place in early 2024.
Want to listen to ALL of our podcasts AD-FREE? Subscribe through APPLE PODCASTS, and try it for three days free: https://tinyurl.com/ycw626tj
Follow Our Other Cases: https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com
The latest on Catching the Long Island Serial Killer, Awaiting Admission: BTK’s Unconfessed Crimes, Delphi Murders: Inside the Crime, Chad & Lori Daybell, The Murder of Ana Walshe, Alex Murdaugh, Bryan Kohberger, Lucy Letby, Kouri Richins, Malevolent Mormon Mommys, Justice for Harmony Montgomery, The Murder of Stephen Smith, The Murder of Madeline Kingsbury, and much more! Listen at https://www.truecrimetodaypod.com