Irma Valdez dies in fatal Newton County shooting

Irma Valdez dies in fatal Newton County shooting
Fatal Newton County shooting death of Irma Valdez

Irma Valdez, a 46-year-old Covington resident, was found dead in a wooded area of Newton County on June 18, and two suspects are now facing murder charges in connection with her death.

Authorities identified Jose Sermeno, 31, and Katerin Abrego, 27, both of Covington, as the individuals charged with Valdez’s murder. Deputies located her body near Stephenson Road and Flat Shoals Road after she had been reported missing earlier in the week.

Valdez was initially reported missing in Conyers on June 16 and again in Newton County the following day. The Newton County Sheriff’s Office began investigating immediately, leading to the discovery of her body on Wednesday afternoon.

Investigators believe Valdez knew both Sermeno and Abrego, although details about the nature of their relationship and the motive for the killing have not been released.

Valdez was employed at A Huevo Que Si Taqueria, where she was described by her coworkers as a beloved, kind-hearted team member who was always smiling. She was a mother of four, including a young daughter, and had roots in Tamaulipas, Mexico.

Neighbors have expressed heartbreak over her death, remembering her as a cheerful and compassionate woman who was actively involved in her community and loved by many.

Sermeno and Abrego were taken into custody on June 18 and are being held at the Newton County Jail. In addition to murder, both face charges of concealing a death, and Sermeno is also charged with cruelty to children.

The case remains under investigation as authorities work to determine exactly what led to Valdez’s tragic death.