HARLINGEN — Police have arrested a nephew of Harlingen attorney Ernesto Gonzales after confirming human remains found this week are those of Gonzales.
The nephew, Salomon Campos Jr., 43, has been charged with murder, aggravated kidnapping and stalking, Police Chief Michael Kester said in a press conference Friday.
Campos was being held with bond set at $1 million on the murder charge, $600,000 on aggravated kidnapping and $60,000 on stalking.
Kester said a search had been underway since Sunday.
A residence on Vista Del Sol Drive in Harlingen and a property on North Kansas City Road in La Feria were searched after further investigation.
Using ground penetrating technology, the Harlingen Police Department along with Texas Rangers found human remains on the ranch-like property in La Feria on Wednesday.
With the help of forensic odontologists, it was confirmed through dental records that the remains were those of Gonzales, who had been missing since 2017, police said.
Kester expressed his condolences to family members, including the son of Gonzales, who were present at the press conference.
“Based on facts and evidence we have arrested Salomon,” he said.
“It is unfortunate how things ended but the case is pending and we will ensure justice is correctly served,” said Edward Sandoval, First Assistant at the Cameron County District Attorney’s Office.
Gonzales had filed a court request for a protective order against five extended family members on July 13, 2017.
Gonzales stated to authorities he feared for his life.
He was reported missing on July 18, 2017.
Kester said the properties had been searched in 2017 but after gathering more information they were searched again.
The property where Gonzales remains were found is owned by Campos, his nephew.
