Thread: Updated; Pearland, TX Murder suspect here illegally, official says

Murder suspect here illegally, official says
Belize citizen charged in death of Pearland teen
By CINDY GEORGE
HOUSTON CHRONICLE
Nov. 22, 2010, 7:36PM

Hermilo Moralez, the 19-year-old being held in last week's death of his Pearland classmate, is in the country illegally, an immigration official confirmed Monday.

"At the time of his arrest, he did not have a valid status here in the United States," said Greg Palmore, a Houston spokesman for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Moralez, a citizen of Belize, was charged on Thursday with murder along with several lesser charges in the death of Josh Wilkerson, 18. Both were students at Pearland ISD's Pace Center.

Immigration officials on Friday placed a federal hold on Moralez, which meant he could not be released on bail.

"We put detainers on the individuals to ensure that before they are released we have the chance to interview them," Palmore said. "ICE officers have had a chance to interview him and determine he did not have a valid status here in the United States."

Moralez is being held in the Brazoria County jail.

Wilkerson's funeral and burial were Monday.

cindy.george@chron.com

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/met ... 07185.html