LCSO Investigates Homicide, Two Suspects in Custody

CLEVELAND, November 21, 2004 - Acting on information received by the department Liberty County Sheriff’s Office investigators worked round the clock this weekend investigating the apparent homicide of a Cleveland area man found buried in a 3 foot deep grave, according to Liberty County Sheriff, Greg Arthur.

Cleveland Police Department, the Department of Public Safety and Texas Ranger Frank Huff assisted the department in the investigation.

It was Saturday afternoon that information was received at the Sheriff’s Department concerning the victim that started the investigation. Investigators believe they know who the victim is but his identify has not been released pending positive identification by the Jefferson County Medical Examiners Office in Beaumont where he was taken Sunday afternoon.

Working throughout Saturday evening Sheriff’s Department investigators arrested two suspects on outstanding warrants who are expected to be charged tomorrow in the death of this Cleveland area man.

During the investigation search warrants were obtained to search a residence near where the man was discovered where it is thought the man was murdered, according to Sheriff Arthur.

Additionally a search warrant was obtained to search the property where the victims body was found which was described as a wooded lot with an old abandoned house.

Investigators believe the man was killed at the nearby residence and then transported to the wooded lot and buried in the woods. Investigators believe the man was stabbed; however an exact cause of death has not been determined. Investigators believe the man was killed in late October and he had been buried in the woods for about a month.

Saturday evening law enforcement officers secured the area and processing of the two crime scenes began Sunday morning.

The location of this discovery is about 6 or 7 miles south of Cleveland off of Gulf Road.

Motive for this crime is still under investigation. However, according to Sheriff Arthur the victim received disability payments and his banking records are being audited to determine if any money is missing.

Of particular help to the Sheriff’s Department were Sgt. Ryan Arthur and Trooper Robin Wright, which conducted computer mapping of the crime scenes.

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