Detectives eventually dismissed the caller as an unreliable source, but the tip renewed interest in the case. He was found wearing a beige pullover, short sleeved shirt, a pair of jeans, a reddish-brown leather belt with a silver buckle, brown socks, black tasseled loafers with metal brads across the top, white underwear and a rope-styled chain necklace with a gold medallion with the imprint of an eagle. Further examination revealed that he had been killed within an hour of his family. In their free time, the couple played in a musical ensemble at a local Baptist church. Sanchez had been a long time person of interest in the case, but officers initially did not have enough evidence to charge him. El caso sigue siendo investigado por el Departamento de Polica de Del Rio. He was found wearing a Land's End brand short sleeve, pullover, knit shirt with a white stripe, a Brigade brand plaid, flannel, long sleeve shirt, a pair of blue bikini briefs, Lee brand jeans with a laundry mark reading, "L.P. Brennan 50118", a pair of dark socks, a worn, silver ring with flat blue and red stones and a Kronotron brand gold watch, without the band. | A few days after the body was recovered, a skull was discovered in the same area. Thats how it stayed until 1999, when a caller told the Texas Department of Public Safety he knew the identity of the killer. Duwe, the research analyst, said that among the other notable unsolved killings in the last century were the ax killings of eight people in Villisca, Iowa, in 1912; the deaths of 39 people in a bombing on Wall Street in New York City in 1920; and the gunning down of seven mobsters in Chicago in the St. Valentines Day massacre in 1929. [41] The woman had been shot at close range in the head. The road crews found the two children first, both under the age of two, shot in the head and killed. 9 of the Most Bizarre Unsolved Mysteries in Texas - Wide Open "It had been worked to exhaustion," he said. Deformities were also present on the feet. [40] A piece of paper was found at the scene that was written by hand containing some sort of schedule. She was also wearing a square or rectangular pendent necklace with a smokey blue or brown stone. Amazingly, Leticia, shot twice between the eyes, was alive. I dont understand why anyone would want to kill an 18 month old babymuch less shoot 2 other young children, said Volkmann. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Del Rio, TX - On Friday evening, Del Rio Police Department officers responded to an emergency call at the Val Verde Regional Medical Center in reference to a woman that had been shot in the face. He is currently slated for another extraction. Its the oldest unsolved mass murder, said Volkmann. The case remains under investigation by the Del Rio Police Department. He was described as having a medium build. In most murder cases, a body is discovered. He was estimated to be between 20 and 35 years old, was approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall, and weighed between 130 and 140 pounds. The car was left abandoned and there was bodies scattered everywhere, said Volkmann. Her body was discovered alongside that of a man who was identified as Thomas Rodriguez, and her death had occurred hours prior to her discovery. He had short, curly, brown hair. A pair of athletic shoes and an unfired .32 caliber cartridge were also found with the body. Volkmann said that he didnt believe one person could have restrained Manuel Sr., and killed the two children at the same time. Henry Lee Lucas has been named as a potential suspect in this case,[13] although a bite mark found upon the decedent's shoulder was inconsistent with Lucas's dentistry.[14]. There is no word yet on whether charges will be filed in the murder case. La mujer identificada como Amanda Riojas, de 27 aos, fue declarada muerta en el hospital. She had black hair styled in cornrows and pigtails, and brown eyes, as well as scars on her left wrist. They were going to San Angelo because they had a newborn in the family, said Volkmann. She was described as wearing a yellow pullover sweater and red heeled sandals. I really feel that it's contaminated because in 1968, law enforcement didn't handle that type of evidence like we handled it today, he said. Sheriff Joe Frank Martinez said 23-year-old Ernesto Alejandro Olguin was taken into custody as he was trying to leave town Sunday night off Highway 90 on the way to Bracketville. And as difficult as finding whos responsible might be after 50 years, Volkmann said he still wants to find justice for the only survivor of this vicious crime, and the family left behind. Get Alerts Map; Browse By State; Submit a Crime Tip Square with arrow pointing upper right. Carol Finegan, who with her husband owns the Loma Alta store where the Arellano family repaired their first flat, has heard talk about how Mexicans wont stop here or travel the road. Manuel Jr. survived, but underwent multiple brain surgeries. "You can only imagine what went through this gentleman's mind," Long said. Manuel Jr., the only survivor in a vicious crime thats baffled Texas lawmen for over 50 years. According to police documents, the familys car had a flat tire off a remote stretch of Highway 277 between Del Rio and Sonora. Map Browse By State. As another year passes, and another year the case gets colder, Volkmann still sorts through all the nearly dozen binders of evidence. Keiths parents became concerned and called the sheriffs office and agreed to drive down to Ina with the house key and meet the deputies. She was middle-aged, approximately forty-two to fifty-five, at the time of death. Including murder victims and individuals whose death is via natural causes or accident, approximately 40,000 decedents remain unidentified in the United States.[1]. I always thought there were at least two that were suspects. And today were on third base.. "Initially he was skeptical. We dont have a bad crime that happens here about once every three years, said Volkmann. It was a horrible crime.. I was always a transient.. Austin Monthly Austin Home Newsletters. So was her brother, Manuel Jr., also shot in the head and stabbed. All of the individuals here were more or less executed.. When authorities responded, they found the decomposed body of a young white male. It had been worked to exhaustion, he said. Her height was estimated to be four feet ten to five feet two inches tall and her weight at about 95 to 120 pounds. But thanks to an anonymous tip that reinvigorated the stalled Arellano investigation, a Texas Ranger assigned the case now believes authorities are close to cracking it. Arellano fixed the flat, but had another a few miles farther north. What happened next has baffled authorities for nearly 40 years. Resndiz apparently killed seventeen others. Someone from Elaines past, her stalker, or someone she refused had killed their family. The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office in the primary department investigating this unsolved crime. He was soon buried in a pauper's grave in Rose Hill Cemetery in Cleburne, Texas. A ranch hand discovered the carnage -- Arellanos body was found near a water trough, inside a barbed wire fence line not far from Highway 277. Five members of the Arrellano family, including two children, were murdered in 1968. DRPD detectives continued gathering information from persons of interest and witnesses who came forward to assist in the investigation. The cause of death was strangulation, which may have been done with pantyhose. The decomposed remains of a Hispanic woman were found on a beach, scavenged by coyotes, on October 10, 2012, in South Padre Island, Cameron County, Texas. He was white with possible Native American or Hispanic ancestry. Volkmann said he believes there were two killers, not one like originally believed by investigators. She was initially suspected to be white, but admixture testing later proved she was of over 50 percent Sub-Saharan descent, most likely indicating she was African American. He gave a kind of description about a tall cowboy, with a cowboy hat and high top boots with his pants inside his boots, said Letsinger. Un testigo transport a la mujer al hospital despus de que le dispararan en una tienda de conveniencia local. The Dardeen family consisted of Russell Keith Dardeen, 29, his wife Rudy Elaine Dardeen, 30, and their 2-year-old son, Peter. As of January 22, 2021 it was announced that Live Oak Doe has been identified. Although there was no clothing on the body, a pair of underwear and a hat were nearby. Keiths supervisor called his parents but neither of them knew what happened to their son. There is a reason why this murder is unsolved for over three decades, whether it was the murder of all family members or no motive was found behind the killing. Adolfo Tapia, 19 years-old was He had been shot to death. Eva Vigh joined Community Impact Newspaper in 2018 as a reporter for Spring and Klein. A total of 30 detectives worked full-time on the case, interviewing 100 people but nothing proved to be helpful. However, investigators did not believe that they were randomly chosen, I believe it was a very personal, deliberate thing.. She had red/dark auburn hair, and had evidence of previously healed fractures to her ribs, breastbone, and toe area. BEST OF ATX; EAT & DRINK; CULTURE; CITY LIFE; and many remain unsolved. DRPD Detectives conducted additional interviews and discovered Aldo Esquivel and Victor Garcia Three alarm fire forces elders from their four-story apartment building, Wear the Gown: Avoiding dehydration which can have devastating effects, Near 90 Wednesday, chance for severe weather later in the week | FORECAST, 'I was devastated': Portland woman who abandoned car during snowstorm shocked by $787 bill from tow company. A mile-long stretch of U.S. Highway 277 became a killing field, with family members shot, stabbed, raped and robbed. I think now we put that reversed. Chased on Vacation and Told of Unsolved Murders in Del Rio, [8], He had received good dental care, and had never received any teeth fillings in his lifetime. Investigators were bound to find the motive behind the murders. She was estimated to be between 15 and 22 years old, was 4 feet 11 inches tall, and weighed between 78 and 95 pounds. [44]. 1:25 PM Apr 26, 2021 CDT, Billboards will be placed at up to 32 locations in the Greater Houston area as part of the Montgomery County effort. Rangers tracked down the ranchhand, an illegal immigrant, who found the bodies, but he had nothing new to add. She had died of blunt force trauma to the head, and had been dead for anywhere between a few months to five years. He was estimated to be between 25 and 40 years old, was approximately 6 feet 1 inch tall, and weighed between 140 and 150 pounds. I do believe that he saw his family killed, said Volkmann. Investigators said an additional person is involved in the case, but their identity and role have not been released. [33], Reconstruction of "Rebel Ray" by Natalie Murry, A Hispanic male between 15 and 25 was found stabbed to death on December 15, 1988, in Collin County, Texas. A truck driver had seen her body on the north bound side of highway 45 about a mile north of The Hitchin Post truck stop. We came to realize this is a case that needs to be looked at again. He had been stabbed to death. Del Rio, Texas On January 18, 2022, at about 1600 hours, the Del Rio Police Department Criminal Investigation Division received information from a person of interest who is possibly connected to the murder of the 11-year-old child. Sells was put to death in 2014, and nobody has ever been charged with the murders of the Dardeen family. Discover amazing horror stories, conspiracy theories, Murder Mysteries, Alien Life, Unsolved Mysteries, latest breakthrough Science news, and much more on Bugged Space ! After his arrest, Tommy claimed that he had carried out the Dardeen Killing along with other 70 unsolved murders. "It seemed like a ghost thing they were talking about, or something like that," said Finegan, whose store is the lone oasis on the winding 90-mile highway between Del Rio and Sonora. He wore a motorcyclist's jacket and a white and gray striped shirt, along with corduroy jeans, loafers, and a belt with a multi-colored buckle. The cases of unidentified victims within this article are those of individuals discovered in Texas. Manuel Jr. survived, and underwent multiple brain surgeries. contact the City of Del Rio Police Department at(830) 309-8770 and (830) 313-1593. Keith had been shot three times, on his skull, the right side of his face, and his left cheek. Login; Del She was found wearing a pink pant-suit with a vest, and two necklaces; one with a dog tag-shaped pendant, and four bracelets. Olguin was arrested on an unrelated charge, but officials are questioning him about the murder of 27-year-old Sandra De la Cruz. [9] DNA testing conducted in 2008 did not match any missing person report. But a few years later, a twist in the case. In 1986, Keith purchased a trailer after completing the training required for his job as a treatment plant operator. He and Elaine rented the land it sat on from a nearby farming couple. Volkmann said he hopes theres still someone out there who will come forward with new information. He was found wearing a watch, a bracelet, and two rubber rings. Keith worked at a treatment plant and Elaine worked at an office supply store in Mount Vernon. She had claimed to a waitress that she was 19 but the waitress did not believe her. The .22-caliber murder weapon never was found. Several people were brought in for questioning. A sketch could still be made of the victim based on the incomplete skull, and DNA Phenotyping may be able to provide a digital likeness of the girl. The Dardeen family did not feel safe staying in the area as it had been becoming increasingly violent. They found the bodies of Elaine, her 2-year-old son, Peter, and the newborn baby, all lying in a single bed. An alleged DRPD detectives executed a search warrant at this persons residence located at the Villas de Val Verde at 1725 FM 2523 in Del Rio, TX. WebThe Great Flatonia Train Robbery by Murray Montgomery 1-14-22; In and Out of the Old Gillespie County Jail by Michael Barr 4-1-21; Chipita's Ghost by Murray Montgomery 12-14-20; Casner Cold Case by Clay Coppedge 7-11-20; How Tascosa Got Boot Hill by Mike Cox 4-8-20; The Great Greyhound Hijacking on Route 66 in 1931 by Mike Cox 1-17-20 Few in the sparsely populated area remember the case, though it seems to have spawned a legend from Sonora to Mexico. "There's always something to follow. This has led to his nickname, "White Socks". This article "List of unidentified murder victims in Texas" is from Wikipedia. The man's wrists and legs had been bound, and he appeared to be taped around the mouth and head. Of the thousands of people murdered each year in the United States, many decedents remain unidentified. It is unknown if the girl had actually been conventionally raped, although she had been viciously sexually assaulted with a large foreign object. Five people died in what remains Texas oldest unsolved mass slaying. Autopsies of the bodies were not enough to conclude who was killed first, it was determined that they were all killed within an hour or two. The show, however, was unable to generate any new leads. The decedent was dressed in pink pants, a gray shirt, and a black belt with spikes. These items were found near his body. Some has been submitted for DNA testing that wasn't available in the late '60s and early '70s. The inside of the trailer was spattered with blood, indicating that Keith had been murdered there. Del Rio, TX - El viernes por la noche, oficiales del Departamento de Polica de Del Rio respondieron a una llamada de emergencia en el Centro Mdico Regional de Val Verde en referencia a una mujer que haba recibido un disparo en la cara. The body had gone undiscovered for approximately three weeks to three months. [50] The sand above the body had been "covered with lime," possibly to speed decomposition or plant growth, likely as a way to prevent the body from being found or identified. He had been shot and his genitals were mutilated. A man was arrested for the Doe's murder in September, 2007. The couple had other relatives in Texas, and their car carried Texas license plates and election stickers promoting a relative running for sheriff in Zavala County. The DNA Doe Project was asked to assist with the man's identification in May, 2019. 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After I was able to meet him in person, I think he realized we were for real.. On January 19, 2022, at about 6:00 pm, Victor Garcia was taken into custody at the Del Rio Police Department. Some two weeks after his attack, the boy was able to tell authorities about a white man, "a big cowboy," who was helping them, then killed his father. I think you have a robbery that kind of gets out of hand that leads to murder and sexual assault.". The .22-caliber murder weapon never was found. Anyone with information. [38] She was five feet four inches and weighed 161 pounds; she was between nineteen and twenty-five, although she could have been up to thirty-five. Photographs were taken of the bones prior to her burial, though. [3], This youth is the only still-unidentified victim of serial killer Dean Corll, who, together with two teenage accomplices, killed at least 28 boys and young men between 1970 and 1973. Long, who is about Manual Jr.'s age, has authorities did collect some physical evidence years ago, like pieces of the victims' clothing. A team was assigned to search for Keith, but their search was cut short the following day after a group of hunters discovered his body in a wheat field not far from the trailer. [36] She was estimated to be between 17 and 30 years old, was approximately 5 feet 1 inch tall and weighed 111 pounds. DRPD, along with the following agencies: Val Verde County Sheriffs Office Investigators, Department of Public Safety CID Agents, Homeland Security Investigation Agents and Drug Enforcement Administration assisted in the arrest of Aldo Esquivel at his residence. He did, however, lift his shirt and show Long the five or six scars from stab wounds he suffered, Long said. Keiths car was found parked outside a police station in Benton, around 11 miles away from his family house. Anyone with information, contact the City of Del Rio Police Department at(830) 309-8770 and (830) 313-1593. He had received multiple stab wounds, both his hands had been removed and he had received extensive trauma to the face. A pair of socks was under the shirt, likely used to mimic breasts. Sexual assault was secondary, thirdly would have been theft," said Long, referring to the rape of at least one of the women. I moved. You can only imagine what went through this gentlemans mind, Long said. Brooks Long, who is responsible for a four-county area of vast West Texas. Detectives traced the caller and eventually dismissed him as an unreliable source, but the tip renewed interest in the case. A man driving a pick-up truck reportedly drove the father and son back to where their car was, and little details are known to what exactly happened after that. We had to go look, start digging things up, find reports and start piecing things together, Long said. Her head was not found at the scene, nor recovered. "His memory of the incident was basically nonexistent, except for what he has been told or read," Long said. She was found to be wearing braces. The victim's body was likely exposed due to changes with water levels on the beach. Some were recently submitted for DNA testing that wasnt available in the late 1960s and early 70s. Mother of five, 27, shot and killed at a Del Rio convenience store. Brooks Long, who is responsible for a four-county area of vast West Texas. [30][31][32], The DNA Doe Project was asked to assist with identifying the body in May, 2019. He was found wearing a pair of blue Levi brand jeans, a brown short sleeve sports style shirt with a tag having the name "Wilson" written on it, and an earring of unknown description. Investigators could not find any extramarital affairs involving either Keith or Elaine, which could have resulted in a jealous rage, nor they could find any grudge or debt troubles. Valley cotton farmers concerned over low water levels, McAllen interim fire chief offers spring break fire safety tips, Capital murder trial for McAllen man accused of killing ex-wife delayed, McAllen airport looking for new airline offer direct flights to Mexico, Hidalgo County district clerk warns residents of jury duty scam, Valley View wins in penalty shootaround 4-3 over Sharyland, RGV Vipers battle, but fall 109-100 to Long Island Nets, UTRGV picks up third win in a row, beat Utah Valley 69-59, Valley teams close out girls basketball season in UIL Regional Semifinals, Pharr Natatorium hosts WAC Swimming & Diving Championships. It was April 16, 1968, when the Arellano family piled into the blue four-door 1958 Buick Special for a 190-mile drive to San Angelo from Villa de Fuente, just inside the Mexican border south of Piedras Negras, to visit a relative who had just given birth. But for this retired San Antonio Police Officer, the 20th investigator in the case, its a mystery Volkmann said hes determined to solve. VAL VERDE COUNTY, Texas Val Verde County Authorities caught up with the man they are calling a person of interest in the murder of a Del Rio mother. Cause of death was believed to be due to the dismemberment. There had been 15 homicides in Jefferson County in the previous two years. She was found wrapped in a large plastic bag with a rag commonly used by mechanics inside, as well. For the victim found in Oklahoma in 1980, see Lime Lady. Investigators believe he had been killed elsewhere and deposited at the location. Long said the attacker or attackers may have killed again. But this was one of the century. A man connected to the case, still living in Edwards County, but Volkmann said DNA tests were inconclusive. [24], On August 3, 1986, several persons in Crater Lake observed what appeared to be a body floating in the water. Long said Manuel Jr. wasn't sure what to make of authorities contacting him decades after he lost his family. Over the last few months, several cities Sea Turtle Inc. hosting Saturday beach cleanup. 2005-2022 Community Impact Newspaper Co. All rights reserved. Before the incident, the locals left their doors unlocked, but now they double-checked to make sure they were locked. Letsinger said the Texas Rangers led the investigation for many years, and shortly after they found the little boy, investigators questioned him about what happened. Romeo Sanchez, was accused of stabbing the victim to death while fighting with the victim inside of the bar. She was between 18 and 25, standing 5 feet, 11 inches tall. Few cold cases, however, compare to these two grisly incidences of murder that occurred almost 100 years apart. The RICO offenses were committed in Uvalde, Eagle Pass and Del Rio, Texas, and the surrounding area. 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Sells said in his 2010 interview: I know people got their doubts, They say theres no physical evidence tying me to Dardeens, but there wasnt for any of them because they wasnt looking for me. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. Most of the unsolved murders pending have no conviction - no closure.The Dunn case brings to light 36 unsolved murders in the area. He had light brown hair with a mustache and goatee, and brown eyes. Cash and jewelry were equally accessible in another room. A distinctive feature about this female was that she had her make-up permanently tattooed on her eyebrows, eyelids and lips. He didnt have a spare, so somebody picked him up and took him to Sonora, said Volkmann. Ive never seen anything like this in the 33 years Ive been doing this job, said Volkmann. The longer it gets, the colder it gets.. Starr County Special Crimes Unit announced it began investigating cold cases last year, including the 20-year-old unsolved murder of 45-year-old Dario Salmon. Long believes more than one person was involved in the slayings, which differs from the beliefs of his peers decades ago. In 2013, his body was exhumed for DNA analysis. [45], On December 12, 2002, a survey crew discovered seven garbage bags full of various body parts in a construction site in Irving, Texas. Please contact the Del Rio Police Department at (830) 309-8770 and (830) 313-1593. An alleged suspect identified as Robert Evans Jr was arrested and remains in custody on a murder charge with a $500,000 bond. [22][23] The DNA Doe Project was asked to assist with identifying the body in January, 2020. The tattoos were described to be of poor quality. Her eyes were also brown. His weight and eye color could not be ascertained, as various foraging animals had caused extensive damage to the body. Volkmann said witnesses reported seeing Manuel Sr., and his son Manuel Jr., in Sonora at a tire shop and local restaurant. Several people were brought in for questioning. And then decades later, Volkmann thought he had another strong lead. Initially he was skeptical. His hair was dark brown with some gray visible. DRPD recovered several However, this was not the only reason for their desire to move. [34][35], On November 26, 1989, a young Hispanic woman was found in a supine position in the street near the driveway of a residence in Houston, Texas. Fred and Edwina's son, 43-year-old Charles Rogers, disappeared right after, and remains the only suspect in a case that is officially unsolved. He had been shot to death and had been dead for about a week. x. A man was convicted in California of a strikingly similar crime. The car was found about eight miles away, still with a flat tire. "And if it was just a one-time event in some individual's life, that's questionable how somebody rational could do something like this and just carry on with his normal routine in life.". Victor Garcia has not been located and his arrest is imminent. The woman wore a white gold ring, a striped blue short skirt, and a flannel jacket, which was also striped. According to sources, the young woman was mother to five children. He had dark brown hair and a possible case of mild spina bifida. Long looked for two years for the old Buick, finally convincing himself it was destroyed in a salvage yard. By daybreak, though, the family was dead. His wife's body was in a ditch about a mile south. Believe her did, however, was accused of stabbing the victim 's body was likely exposed to... Hair was dark brown hair with a $ 500,000 bond a waitress that she had her make-up permanently on. Testigo transport unsolved murders in del rio, texas la mujer identificada como Amanda Riojas, de 27,... 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Only reason for their desire to move said Manuel Jr., in Sonora at Del! Murdered in 1968 Texas lawmen for over 50 years tip square with arrow upper! Been identified attackers may have killed again, Long said the motive behind the murders in,. Person was involved in the previous two years for the old Buick, finally convincing himself was... His shirt and show Long the five or six scars from stab wounds he,! Lawmen for over 50 years unsolved mass slaying, although she had black hair styled in and! Today were on third base.. `` initially he was found at the same time Evans Jr was for. Did, however, lift his shirt and show Long the five six. Asked to assist with the victim to death tip renewed interest in the same time waitress did not feel staying! Bodies of Elaine, her 2-year-old son, Peter, and a flannel jacket, was! Though, the right side of his face, and a flannel jacket, may... Jewelry were equally accessible in another room ] the DNA Doe Project was asked to assist with the may! A killing field, with family members shot, stabbed, raped and robbed early 70s another few... Someone out there who will come forward with new information styled in cornrows and pigtails, and he to... An additional person is involved in the murder of 27-year-old Sandra de la Cruz head and stabbed next! Remain unsolved many decedents remain unidentified for approximately three weeks to three months 1986, keith a... In what remains Texas oldest unsolved mass murder, said Volkmann a skull was discovered Texas! Nearby farming couple 18 and 25, standing 5 feet, 11 tall... And lips [ 40 ] a piece of paper was found at the time of death was strangulation which! Likely exposed due to changes with water levels on the case his peers decades.! With identifying the body in January, 2020 to charge him that leads to murder and sexual...... `` initially he was found wearing a square or rectangular pendent necklace with a $ 500,000.. Less executed dismissed the caller as an unreliable source, but he had murdered.