Officials identify Mexia murder suspect, held on immigration detainer

By KIRSTEN CROW
kcrow@wacotrib.com

Saturday January 5, 2013

A man officials say was charged by Mexia police in the death of a 40-year-old woman remained in the Limestone County Jail on Friday under a $1 million bond.
Justice of the Peace Ray Jones, who set the bond for 28-year-old Manuel Gonzalez, identified Gonzalez as the defendant charged with murder in the reported fatal New Year’s Day stabbing in Mexia.

In a news release faxed to media outlets Wednesday, Mexia police wrote that authorities arrested an unnamed suspect shortly after responding to a call about a disturbance in the 300 block of Wilson Street at 2:04 a.m. Tuesday.


Manuel Gonzalez is being held in Limestone County on a $1 million bond, charged with murder in a fatal New Year’s Day stabbing in Mexia.

Officers who arrived at the scene found Christina Flores with multiple stab wounds. Police say she was able to identify her attacker to authorities before she was taken by ambulance to Parkland Hospital in Dallas, where she died.
Officers arrested the man she identified as her assailant at a nearby residence, the release states.

Jones noted that Gonzalez gave authorities two different names, and the news release sent by Mexia police indicated there may be a question about the suspect’s identity, saying his name would not be released “pending further identification.”

Contacted by phone Wednesday and Thursday, authorities declined to elaborate on their reasons to withhold the man’s name, referring the Tribune-Herald to the Limestone County Jail for information.

Additional information about the case, including Flores’ city of residence and the relationship, if any, between Flores and Gonzalez, have not been made available.

Officials added that Gonzalez, who identified himself as a citizen of Mexico, is also being held on an immigration detainer, meaning he is not eligible for release.
Officials identify Mexia murder suspect, held on immigration detainer | Wacotrib.com