[51] One or more of the female's limbs were not found with the body, as they were likely carried away by animals. [10], A forensic examination of the remains of this decedent, in addition to the circumstantial fact that he was buried between two identified victims of Dean Corll (killed in August 1971 and July 1972), indicated that he was most likely murdered in either 1971 or 1972. And get information about All of Del Rios events delivered directly to your inbox! However, there is no strong theory, that gives the motive behind the brutal killing of the Dardeen family. 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. 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. And the description the boy gave to authorities, wasnt too unusual in this rural county. The DNA Doe Project was asked to assist with the man's identification in May, 2019. Investigators were bound to find the motive behind the murders. Keith worked at a treatment plant and Elaine worked at an office supply store in Mount Vernon. 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. A few days after the body was recovered, a skull was discovered in the same area. On October 25, 1992, police officers found the body of a Hispanic male outside of a club in Fort Worth, Texas. He was driving a pickup truck. So was her brother, Manuel Jr., also shot in the head and stabbed. They went to California and got his DNA, it did not match anything that was in the evidence.. Keiths car was found parked outside a police station in Benton, around 11 miles away from his family house. Un presunto sospechoso identificado como Robert Evans Jr fue arrestado y permanece bajo custodia por un cargo de asesinato con una fianza de $ 500,000. Based on information from a Sonora service station attendant who repaired the tire for the family, police distributed a sketch of a possible suspect _ a tall, sandy-haired man in his 30s, wearing a straw cowboy hat, who was accompanying them. I always thought there were at least two that were suspects. It is unknown how both victims were placed at the scene. It had been worked to exhaustion, he said. 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. Anyone with information, contact the City of Del Rio Police Department at(830) 309-8770 and (830) 313-1593. If we could find the person that DNA fits, then we will probably have a person that either killed those people or was present, said Don Letsinger, since 1987 the sheriff in Edwards County, where the killings took place. Detectives traced the caller and eventually dismissed him as an unreliable source, but the tip renewed interest in the case. Long said the attacker or attackers may have killed again. Deformities were also present on the feet. Keiths mother Joeann said that someone wanted him to sell drugs and Keith refused them and he or they may have killed his family. It appeared the man had been dragged outside of the club, possibly by a worker who had been cleaning up for the night. The Sheriffs Office is offering a cash reward for information leading to the arrest of Victor Garcia, a suspect in a capital murder case. Long-lost ship found at the bottom of Lake Huron, confirming story of tragic collision, TikTok to set default daily time limit of up to 60 minutes for minors, Jaguars, narcos, illegal loggers: One mans battle to save a jungle and Maya ruins. The most promising lead came in 2000, when serial killer Tommy Lynn Sells was arrested for cutting the throats of Kaylene Harris, 13, and Krystal Surles, 10 near Del Rio, Texas. "There's always something to follow. Login; Del Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one. Volkmann said that he didnt believe one person could have restrained Manuel Sr., and killed the two children at the same time. In their free time, the couple played in a musical ensemble at a local Baptist church. But one in Harlingen, still haunts the community because the victim was only 19 years old. [46], On April 28, 2007, the body of a middle aged Hispanic man was discovered by a group of community service workers, found floating in Double Bayou in Anahuac, Texas. Cause of death could not be determined, however investigators are treating the case as a homicide. Volkmann said he hopes theres still someone out there who will come forward with new information. Volkmann said the Arrellano family, Father Manuel, his wife Monica, and his sister Rosa, were traveling from Mexico with the couples three children. They relied on a good Samaritan to take them about 30 miles up the lonely road to Sonora to get that tire repaired and return them to their car. On October 10, 1987, the decomposed body of a young white male was found in a field in an unincorporated area of Tarrant County, Texas, close to Benbrook Lake. Long believes more than one person was involved, which differs from the beliefs of his peers decades ago. She was estimated to be between 12 and 16 years old, was approximately 5 feet 2 inches tall, and weighed between 90 and 100 pounds. [4][5][6] This decedent was between 5 feet 2 and 5 feet 7 inches tall, had dark brown hair, approximately seven inches in length,[7] and is believed to have worn multicolored, striped swim trunks, boots, and a shirt displaying a peace symbol. He was the guy who fixed the flat in Sonora, said Volkmann. The Sheriffs Office is offering a cash reward for information leading to the arrest of Victor Garcia, a suspect in a capital murder case. 9 of the Most Bizarre Unsolved Mysteries in Texas - Wide Open [47]. It wasnt expected to be a difficult journey. The infant had recently died, and most likely was not born in a hospital. The necklace was found on the body and the shoes were nearby but none of her clothing was located. DRPD Detectives conducted additional interviews and discovered Aldo Esquivel and Victor Garcia Could this man be the cowboy reportedly seen with the family before they died? The Dardeen family did not feel safe staying in the area as it had been becoming increasingly violent. DRPD Detectives interviewed this individual who provided some insight in the investigation and named two suspects who were allegedly involved in the shooting on San Juan Street in Del Rio. She was also found wearing a white blouse with a black and white checkered trim and "Classic Wear" printed on the left pocket, a pair of blue jeans, a pair of white tube socks, a pair of white 'Aerobixx-Traxx' brand hi-top sneakers, and a white 'Sergio Valente Quartz' brand watch with a blue plastic band. [43]. Few in the sparsely populated area remember the case, though it seems to have spawned a legend from Del Rio to Mexico. DRPD detectives applied for arrest warrants for the offense of Capital Murder on the following suspects: Aldo Esquivel, 18-years-old, and Victor Garcia, 17-years old. [22][23] The DNA Doe Project was asked to assist with identifying the body in January, 2020. Elaine suffered a blow on the right top of her head that fractured her skull and 2-year-old Peter suffered numerous abrasions and contusions, his skull was also fractured.. The man's wrists and legs had been bound, and he appeared to be taped around the mouth and head. Investigators assumed that Keith had killed his family and ran away. After her body remained unidentified, she was buried in an unmarked grave in a potter's field. Keiths mother suggested that marijuana belonged to the killer or killers. A pair of work eyeglasses with smoky-gray frames were also found near the body. Rangers tracked down the ranchhand, an illegal immigrant, who found the bodies, but he had nothing new to add. Amazingly, Leticia, shot twice between the eyes, was alive. "We had to go look, start digging things up, find reports and start piecing things together," Long said. [18], On May 13, 1983, the decomposing remains of a young white female were discovered by a group of schoolchildren in a wooded area behind a 76 truck stop on US Route 59 in New Caney, Texas. Long said he hoped to one day get answers to what happened in that West Texas field. A preacher once came in the store "to get rid of the Loma Alta devil or ghost," she recalled. He was buried in an unmarked grave in McLennan County Restland Cemetery, however the location of his body is unknown. Transcripts from the boys interview outlines the little boys confusion. Anyone with information. As time passed, the case grew colder and colder, but Keiths mother made sure that the authorities dont forget the brutal murder. She was found wearing pink bikini panties, a ring with a replica 20-dollar American gold piece, and a white towel. This March marked the sixth anniversary of Magnolia resident Danielle Sleepers unsolved disappearance in 2015. 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. She had claimed to a waitress that she was 19 but the waitress did not believe her. Romeo Sanchez, was accused of stabbing the victim to death while fighting with the victim inside of the bar. 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The investigation has taken Long all over the country and to Mexico, where he found Manuel Jr. In most murder cases, a body is discovered. Investigators believe that she may have been a victim of the infamous I-45 Killer. Investigators also searched the area for missing children, however none were reported missing at the time. An alleged But I can tell you this: In 1998, law enforcement wasnt even in the ballpark. The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office in the primary department investigating this unsolved crime. Few in the sparsely populated area remember the case, though it seems to have spawned a legend from Sonora to Mexico. She was found wearing a pair of Shades brand designer blue jeans, a tan Wrangler brand long sleeve T-shirt, and a pair of white panties. But for this retired San Antonio Police Officer, the 20th investigator in the case, its a mystery Volkmann said hes determined to solve. Investigators deemed the infant's death a homicide, as it was found that she had been born alive. By daybreak, though, the family was dead. Although one of the investigators spoke Spanish to the little boy, Volkmann still believes a language barrier may have misled investigators on other leads. Investigators say that without these two bones, a traditional 3D reconstruction cannot be made. Her height was estimated to be four feet ten to five feet two inches tall and her weight at about 95 to 120 pounds. 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. When her body was found it was determined she had only been dead for several hours. Investigators believe that the skull belonged to the unidentified woman, however when DNA testing was done on the skull in 2015, it was determined that it belonged to a different person. We dont have a bad crime that happens here about once every three years, said Volkmann. A pair of athletic shoes and an unfired .32 caliber cartridge were also found with the body. It wasn't expected to be a difficult journey. Long looked for two years for the old Buick, finally convincing himself it was destroyed in a salvage yard. Over the last few months, several cities Sea Turtle Inc. hosting Saturday beach cleanup. His penis had been also chopped off. Witnesses reported that a known man, whose name was provided to the investigating officers was the one that opened fired at the location. Some has been submitted for DNA testing that wasn't available in the late '60s and early '70s. Investigators believe she was right handed. There was a rise in gun sales as well as sales of security systems. 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. The car was found about eight miles south of the bodies, still with a flat tire. Sheriff Martinez says there are still a lot of missing pieces and they are still investigating what happened. Get the day's top news with our Today's Headlines newsletter, sent every weekday morning. La comunidad de Weslaco se reuni para su Valley cotton farmers concerned over low water McAllen interim fire chief offers spring break McAllen airport looking for new airline to McAllen airport looking for new airline to offer direct flights to Mexico. Residual pink/red nail polish was found on her hands, and there was evidence that she was a nail-biter. Allee Jr., died in January, but Long has a sworn statement from him that could be used in court. Olguin was arrested on an unrelated charge, but officials are questioning him about the murder of 27-year-old Sandra De la Cruz. The woman wore a white gold ring, a striped blue short skirt, and a flannel jacket, which was also striped. 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. These items were found near his body. Volkmann said it was a miracle the boy survived. They were going to San Angelo because they had a newborn in the family, said Volkmann. [27], On November 15, 1987, the skeletal remains of a young white/Hispanic male were found in some tall grass near the north shore of the Twin Buttes Reservoir in Tom Green County, Texas. He and Elaine rented the land it sat on from a nearby farming couple. He was estimated to be in his 30s, was 5 feet 6 inches tall, and weighed 150 pounds. OREM, Utah The University of Texas Rio Representante de Texas propone mejorar la educacin bilinge. Five people died in what remains Texas oldest unsolved mass slaying. Keiths friend told that Kieth had become very protective of his family that once when a girl asked to use their phone he didnt let her in, maybe that girl has something to do with the murders. The show, however, was unable to generate any new leads. Some were recently submitted for DNA testing that wasnt available in the late 1960s and early 70s. In all, five people died in what remains Texas' oldest unsolved mass slaying. The RICO offenses were committed in Uvalde, Eagle Pass and Del Rio, Texas, and the surrounding area. The veteran law enforcement officers said the crime scene photos of children shot in the head is hard to forget. Marez told police another man, Joe Bazan, thought Salmon had gotten his girlfriend hooked on drugs, Caples said. They were on a real hot track for a while, and it just went cold for some reason or another, said Volkmann. A ranchhand discovered the carnage _ Arellano's body was found near a water trough, inside a barbed wire fence line not far from the highway. Long looked for two years for the old Buick, finally convincing himself it was destroyed in a salvage yard. [42], On September 17, 1990, the body of a middle aged white/Hispanic man was found about five miles north of Roscoe, Texas, and about a mile north of Interstate 20 in rural Nolan County, Texas. Several people were brought in for questioning. [52] She was clothed, wearing a dark top, multicolored shorts with star decorations and bikini underwear, along with a sanitary pad. He had been stabbed to death. The Dardeen family consisted of Russell Keith Dardeen, 29, his wife Rudy Elaine Dardeen, 30, and their 2-year-old son, Peter. The attendant couldn't identify any of them as the man he saw. He was given the nickname "Rebel Ray" after the wording on the hat. 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. The oldest unsolved cold case on the Texas Department of Public Safety website is the brutal beating and shooting murder of a 17-year-old in Sonora, Texas. Arellano fixed the flat, but had another a few miles farther north. The man was estimated to be between 20 and 30 years old, was 5 feet 8 inches tall, and weighed 128 pounds. According to police documents, the familys car had a flat tire off a remote stretch of Highway 277 between Del Rio and Sonora. Jose Damian Garza was murdered in Hondo, Texas, July 19, 2008. Cause of death was not determined, but is believed to be a homicide, as she was found with her hands bound behind her back. 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. Sells was confirmed to have committed at least 22 murders, but the investigators were unable to link him to the Dardeen family murders. Allee Jr., died in January, but Long has a sworn statement from him that could be used in court. I think you have a robbery that kind of gets out of hand that leads to murder and sexual assault.". 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. They were beaten with a baseball bat, it was a birthday gift from Keith to Peter earlier that year. I was always a transient.. Further examination revealed that he had been killed within an hour of his family. Manuel Jr. survived, but underwent multiple brain surgeries. The inside of the trailer was spattered with blood, indicating that Keith had been murdered there. He was taken to Mexico after recovering from multiple brain surgeries and raised by his grandmother. 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