Isabel Alvarado's family says she was a victim of an abusive husband and they are still trying to come to terms with her death.
Child Protective Services is now involved. A case worker conducted a home visit with Alvarados' four children. Relatives say they are having a tough time.
Even before the victim was reported missing on March 30, her sisters had been trying to convince her to leave her husband.
Relatives claim Carlos Alvarado, who was charged with his wife's murder Sunday, stalked, tormented and abused her.
Rebecca White of the Houston Area Women's Center says the most dangerous time for a woman is when she's trying to leave an abusive relationship. They often stay out of fear.
"Domestic violence is grounded in power and control," White said. "Just being afraid that 'if I leave, he'll kill me, he'll kill my children, he will kill my family members.' Literally being scared to death."
Harris County Sheriff's Office investigators say Alvarado confessed to choking his wife and then burning her body at his aunt's property in Fresno.
Fort Bend County officials sound charred remains there. Family members are waiting for the medical examiner to positively identify them.
No one came to the door when we knocked at the aunt's home Sunday or Monday afternoon.
Meanwhile, the Alvarados' four children are staying with relatives. CPS says Carlos Alvarado, who is being held in jail on a $100,000 bond, would have to agree not to see his kids should he post bail.
"Families are alerted that if the person tries to come get them that they need to contact authorities and obviously contact us immediately," Estella Olguin with CPS said. "So in cases like this, we might have to take legal intervention, take custody so that the children could permanently be placed with relatives."
If Carlos Alvarado is convicted of murder, he may have to terminate his parental rights. He is due back in court Tuesday.
Isabel Alvarado's family members are supposed to meet with sheriff's investigators this week.
