Texas Teen Faces Murder Charge After Missing Ex-Girlfriend's Body Found in Car Trunk

In a harrowing turn of events, a Texas teen has been apprehended following the tragic discovery of a 21-year-old woman's body in the trunk of her own car in the Meyerland area.

The victim, identified as Idania Campos, had been reported missing earlier, prompting a search that culminated in the distressing revelation, ABC 13 reports.

Court records reveal that 19-year-old Ariel Cruz has been arrested and charged with the murder of a missing Texas woman, Idania Campos.

According to these documents, Cruz confessed to shooting and killing Campos.

The Texas teen, Ariel Cruz, was taken into custody, charged with murder, and was booked into Harris County Jail at 2:30 AM Wednesday with a set bond of $600,000

Texas Teen Helps with Search Before Admitting Murder

Family members disclosed that Cruz, the now-accused perpetrator, was present at the scene, actively participating in the search for the missing woman.

They recounted how Cruz, seemingly empathetic, had spent the majority of the day consoling the distraught family as authorities investigated the situation, according to Click2Houston.

Shockingly, Cruz was described as a good friend and, according to Houston police, the victim's girlfriend.

The family, grappling with the enormity of the situation, shared insights into Cruz's deceptive demeanor.

They revealed that he had been romantically involved with Idania Campos in the past, emphasizing their once-close connection.

Despite this, the family was taken aback when Cruz reportedly confessed to the murder, citing past relationship issues as a motive.

According to Cruz's bail motion, he admitted to investigators that he killed Campos because she had previously ended their relationship.

The family, still reeling from the revelation, recounted how Cruz had been at their home for a sister's birthday party on November 26, engaging in concerning behavior as he played with an unloaded gun.

Missing Texas Woman Found Dead

As worry intensified about Idania Campos' whereabouts, family and friends traced her phone to a location on Indigo Street.

Upon arrival, they discovered the family's car securely locked, per KHOU 11.

After unsuccessful attempts to locate the missing Texas woman, the police were called to the scene, conducting a preliminary search before leaving.

Growing increasingly distressed, the family began knocking on doors in the area, attempting to gather information.

Their concern heightened when they realized that Idania had left her phone and personal belongings inside the locked car.

Faced with this alarming situation, the family decided to take matters into their own hands.

Calling a locksmith proved futile, prompting them to break a window to gain access to the vehicle.

It was within the confines of the car's trunk that the family made the chilling discovery of Idania Campos' lifeless body.

Houston Police Department Lt. Alias Smith speculated that Campos had been killed elsewhere and then placed in her car on Indigo Street, about 30 minutes from her family's residence.

The heartbroken family, grappling with the shock of the revelation, expressed disbelief over Cruz's actions, emphasizing their hope for justice.

Idania, described as a Lamar High School graduate attending Houston Community College, was remembered fondly as a smart, funny, and helpful individual.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: Ex-boyfriend confesses to crime after woman's body found in trunk of her own car, HPD says - From KHOU 11