Erin Benavides, the woman once linked to Tony Parker during his marriage to Eva Longoria, died by apparent suicide at her Texas home last month, with a newly obtained police report revealing multiple firearms were recovered from the scene.
Benavides, 54, was found deceased inside her Port Aransas residence on Oct. 14 after officers forced their way in following a welfare concern, according to the Port Aransas Police Department. The former prosecutor had resigned her position with the 38th Judicial District just two months earlier, in August.
Authorities received an initial call at approximately 7:08 p.m. From someone reporting that a woman had threatened to take her own life, the police report shows. Officers arrived at 7:34 p.m. And discovered Benavides with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the department confirmed in a statement.
“Upon arrival, officers located a deceased female inside the residence with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Nueces County Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the scene and assumed responsibility for determining the official cause and manner of death,” the department said.
The report documented three firearms present at the home, along with multiple bullets found on the scene. Investigators have said they found no evidence suggesting foul play, though the case remains active.
“Based on the preliminary investigation, no foul play is suspected,” the department continued. “However, this remains an active and ongoing investigation. The Port Aransas Police Department extends its condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Benavides.”
Police had been alerted after a friend of Benavides’ husband received an alarming text message from her, prompting the welfare check that led officers to her door.
Benavides first drew national attention in 2010 when she was accused of having an emotional affair with Parker, then married to the “Desperate Housewives” star. At the time, Benavides was married to Brent Barry, Parker’s former San Antonio Spurs teammate. She publicly denied any affair with the NBA guard.
The accusations coincided with the collapse of both marriages. Longoria filed for divorce from Parker in November 2010, while Benavides and Barry also ended their relationship. The “Desperate Housewives” actress, 49, has since remarried and built a directing and producing career.
Following her divorce, Benavides shifted into law enforcement, building a career as a Texas prosecutor and working with organizations focused on helping vulnerable children. She held her position with the 38th Judicial District until her resignation this summer.
The circumstances of her death have drawn renewed attention to a figure who had largely stepped back from public view after the 2010 tabloid frenzy. The Nueces County Medical Examiner’s Office has not yet released an official ruling on cause and manner of death.
The Port Aransas Police Department continues its investigation into the incident, with no additional suspects sought.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.