NATALIA, Texas -- Two men have been arrested in connection with a week-long search for bodies in Medina County. But authorities will not say if any of the victims' remains were found. They did say evidence from the scene was sent to a crime lab.
Investigators believe the killings arose out of drugs. Information was gleaned from people talking and other sources according to Medina Co. Sheriff Randy Brown.
On Thursday, the Medina County Sheriff's deputies arrested 54-year-old Manuel Rodriguez. He is now in the Medina County Jail. Rodriguez is charged with "Capital Murder of Multiple Persons" and is being held without bond.
Investigators believe the bodies of Andrea Dawn Truax and Raymond Alexander Morales, who have been missing 15 years, were dumped on Rodriguez's property, which is located off FM 471 and FM 463, about 30 miles southwest of San Antonio. Officials began searching the property Monday after receiving a tip. The two victims were reportedly shot.
Thursday afternoon, Medina County deputies and Texas Rangers stormed Rodriquez's trailer home after he was pulled over during a traffic stop. They say he had used the identity of the dead man, Morales, in the past.
A second man was arrested also in the case and is being held in Upton County in West Texas. On Friday afternoon, the Medina Co. Sheriff identified that man as 51-year-old Gregory H. Lopez.
Detectives found a stolen car and at least 40 weapons scattered on Rodriguez's ranch. They also removed a backhoe investigators say Rodriguez, Lopez, and others may have used to bury the victims.
At a Friday afternoon news conference, Sheriff Brown said there could be other arrests soon.
