Investigators Say Dead Body Could Be Linked to Drug Cartel

Reported by: Polo Sandoval
Last Update: 7:41 pm

STARR COUNTY - They don't know who he was, where he came from or how he died, but his appearance suggests ties to organized crime.

It’s not uncommon for the bodies of illegals to wash ashore on this stretch of the Rio Grande. They're usually the innocent victims of a struggle for a better life, but not this man.

Investigators believe he could be a member of a drug cartel. Religious medallions and a rosary, military fatigues and swat boots, sources say cartel members wear these. Deputies suspect the young man was killed then thrown in the river near Salineno.

Gloves are scattered at the site where the body was recovered. Investigators left as soon as possible because they know this area is extremely dangerous once night falls.

The dangerous can persist even during the day. A suspicious boat was spotted near the Mexican shoreline not far from a group of bird watchers.

"That's sad, but things like that happen everywhere," said Mike Weedon, who was birding along the river.

Weedon has driven the river bank with his group. He's new to the violence here but not afraid.

"As long as we’re not involved," said Weedon.

Deputies fear they won't ever get the answers they seek or confirm their suspicions. They do know this man’s story will end here if nobody comes forward to claim him. He'll become just another plaque marked John Doe, one of many pulled out of the Rio Grande.

An autopsy will be performed on the man Friday.

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