Missing Texas Woman Found Dead, Suspect Arrested

Midland Police made a grim discovery when they located human remains believed to belong to Madeline Pantoja, a missing Texas woman.

The remains were found approximately three miles east of the County Roads 190 and 1160 intersection Saturday, per KWTX.

The authorities wasted no time in taking action, as detectives from the Midland Police Department promptly apprehended Mario Juan Chacon, a 24-year-old male, on the same day. Chacon has been charged with murder in connection with Pantoja's death.

Following the Texas woman's disappearance report on May 11, the Midland Police Department launched an intensive investigation and search efforts. Their dedicated efforts led them to the discovery of the human remains, believed to be those of Pantoja, on the morning of Saturday, May 20.

As the investigation continues, an autopsy will be conducted by professionals in Dallas County to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding Pantoja's death.

The authorities have informed Pantoja's family about the developments in the case, providing them with the devastating news of the discovery.

Texas Woman's Disappearance

Madeline Pantoja was last seen on May 10 at approximately 11:00 pm, according to authorities.

Concern grew among her friends and family when they could not reach her the following day, leading them to report her disappearance to the police out of fear for her safety, said the Independent.

Those close to Pantoja shared their suspicions with law enforcement, indicating they believed her ex-boyfriend might be involved in her vanishing. Reports from neighbors alleged hearing a heated argument between a man and a woman inside Pantoja's residence on the night she went missing.

However, police have yet to confirm the status of her relationship with Mario Juan Chacon Jr., the suspected ex-boyfriend.

The disappearance of the young Texas woman prompted an extensive search effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies and aerial drones.

Expressing frustration with the pace of the investigation, Pantoja's relatives and friends staged a protest outside the headquarters of the Midland Police Department on Thursday, demanding justice due to what they perceive as a "lack of investigation."

Midland Mayor Lori Blong addressed the concerns on Friday, assuring the public that authorities were diligently working to search for Pantoja and gather information and evidence related to her disappearance.

To gather information about Pantoja's whereabouts, her purported older brother, Christian, established a GoFundMe page, offering a reward. Thus far, the page has generated approximately $27,000 in donations as of Sunday.

Midland Mayor Offered $20,000 Reward Before Texas Woman Found Dead

Midland Mayor Lori Blong announced a $20,000 reward on Friday for any information that could lead to locating Madeline Pantoja before discovering her body, Yahoo! News noted.

Speaking at a press conference, the mayor expressed empathy for Pantoja's family and friends, acknowledging the immense stress and worry they have experienced throughout this ordeal.

It remains to be seen if the reward will be claimed, as police have yet to provide an update.

The search for Pantoja has been a round-the-clock effort over the past week, according to Midland Police Chief Seth Herman. Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, Texas Rangers, Department of Homeland Security, and Midland County Sheriff's Office, have collaborated to scour approximately 60 square kilometers of remote terrain by air and on the ground.

Chief Herman revealed that numerous search warrants had been executed, and more than 25 individuals were interviewed in the quest to locate Pantoja. The investigation has been focused and thorough in its approach.

Meanwhile, as of Saturday evening, Mario Juan Chacon Jr. remains in custody without bond at the Midland County Jail. Police have not disclosed specific details about Chacon's connection to Pantoja or the evidence that led them to suspect him in her death.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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