In a post on Facebook, Willie Davis Hines Jr. claimed there was more to the story being told of the death of Tatjana Cruz.
"It was an accident," read a portion of a long explanatory post. "I fled the scene because i don't think there is any way to prove that this is not just a (sic) act of pure hate."
It's unclear if Hines is behind the post, which attempts to shift some of the blame for the couple's rocky relationship on Cruz's mental state. However, Cruz's family said she showed no signs of instability.
Hines, 23, was arrested on two counts of murder. He had been in hiding since he was last seen running from the couple's home in Adelanto, just west of Victorville, last week.
Sherriff's deputies found Cruz beaten at a home in the 14500 block of Blue Sage Road after neighbors reportedly heard a loud and violent argument coming from inside. She died two days later at the hospital.
Investigators say the 5-month-old fetus likely died as a result of the brutal beating.
Authorities said Hines was arrested at about 3 a.m. Tuesday.
Cruz was a mother of two young boys.
Cruz's sister, Aja Cruz, said she remembers her excitement when she found out she was going to have a daughter.
"She was happy. She planned everything," said Cruz's sister, Aja Cruz. "."
The family is preparing to bury Cruz and the fetus together.
"The family will begin the grieving process. We'll carry on and rebuild our lives to make sure that everyone involved in this, her death will not be in vain," said Dewayne Jennings, Cruz's step-father. "
Aja Cruz said her sister met Hines in high school and reconnected a few years later. They had been dating off and on for two years, the family said.
Hines was an aspiring rapper who appeared in music videos on YouTube. His lyrics glorified drug use and violence against women.
"Certainly with the rapping and the derogatory remarks and comments about domestic violence, of course it plays a role because it gives them empowerment to say it's okay," said Deanna Davis, Cruz's relative.
Cruz's family said they hope to bring more awareness to the issue of domestic abuse with a memorial in her honor.
The High Desert Phoenix Foundation has set up a fund to help Cruz's family. You can make a donation at http://hdphoenixfoundation.com. Be sure to write her name in the memo area.
