UPDATED CHARGESHot Springs Village, Arkansas – Garland County
June 25, 2025
Arkansas – Garland County : A deeply disturbing and tragic case in Hot Springs Village has resulted in upgraded charges against Stephen Keith Gantz, 54, following the death of his wife, Lourdes Núñez Burgos, on June 12, 2025. Gantz now faces a slate of severe charges, including two counts of First-Degree Murder, reflecting not only the death of Lourdes but also that of her unborn child, as confirmed by the Garland County Coroner’s Office.
Charges Filed Against Stephen Keith Gantz:
- Murder – First Degree (Primary victim: Lourdes Núñez Burgos)
- Murder – First Degree (Secondary victim: unborn child)
- Fleeing in a Vehicle
- Battery – Second Degree (stemming from a subsequent altercation while in custody)
Total Bond: $602,500
Custody Status: In Custody at Garland County Detention Center
Victim Identified: Lourdes Núñez Burgos
The victim, Lourdes Núñez Burgos, was a 42-year-old attorney originally from Paraguay, who had been residing in Spain before moving to Arkansas earlier this year. She had relocated to the United States to begin her new life with Gantz, whom she married in January 2025 after a yearlong online courtship. Family members told La Nación, a Paraguayan media outlet, that Lourdes had moved to the U.S. not only for marriage but also for career opportunities in Artificial Intelligence, which had brought her to the country about seven months ago.
Tragically, the coroner later confirmed that Lourdes was pregnant at the time of her death, prompting the District Attorney to upgrade the charges against Gantz to include murder of the unborn child.
Timeline of the Incident:
According to the Hot Springs Village Police Department, at approximately 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, officers responded to Nacozari Lane following 911 calls reporting a man running through the neighborhood, shouting and acting erratically. Officers arrived on scene and identified the man as Stephen Gantz, who was seen leaving in a black SUV. When officers attempted a traffic stop, Gantz fled the area, leading law enforcement on a dangerous high-speed pursuit.
After some time, Gantz returned to the residence on Nacozari Lane, where he was taken into custody without further incident. During a routine safety check of the home, officers discovered the lifeless body of Lourdes. The Criminal Investigation Division immediately assumed control of the investigation.
Subsequent developments in detention revealed Gantz was involved in an altercation while in custody, resulting in an additional charge of Battery – Second Degree.
International Impact and Family Reaction
The case has drawn international attention, especially from Paraguay, where Lourdes’ family lives. Concerned after not hearing from her, her relatives contacted the Paraguayan Consulate in Miami. It was through consular assistance that the family learned of her tragic death. The consulate is currently coordinating the repatriation of her remains to her home country.
The outpouring of grief and remembrance from friends, former colleagues, and family members on social media has been overwhelming. Lourdes is being remembered as a brilliant, kind, and generous soul, deeply respected both personally and professionally. A recent update she posted on LinkedIn just weeks before her death offered an optimistic view of her personal and professional journey — a life that was cut short far too soon.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into the homicide remains active and ongoing, with authorities continuing to gather forensic evidence and witness statements. Law enforcement has asked anyone with relevant information to contact the Hot Springs Village Police Department at 501-922-0011.
The case has been classified by many advocates and commentators as a clear instance of femicide, the gender-based killing of women, and has sparked wider conversation across the state and beyond about the protection of foreign nationals, domestic violence, and the risks faced by women who immigrate through marriage.
As the community mourns the loss of Lourdes Núñez Burgos and her unborn child, local and international supporters alike are calling for justice, transparency, and support for victims of domestic violence.
“This is more than a crime; it’s a tragedy of global proportions,” one family spokesperson said. “Lourdes left everything she knew to build a future, and she deserved so much better.”
More updates will follow as authorities release additional findings.