Three more arrests have been made in the capital murder case of a man who authorities say was kidnapped and whose body was found burning in a vehicle in Edinburg two weeks ago.
Nallely Belmares, 27, Josias Hernandez, 18, and Juan Duenes, 18, were arrested and charged with capital murder.
They were arraigned Thursday afternoon, each being charged with capital murder and their bonds set at $2 million.
Jorge Arredondo Jr., 21, was arrested Wednesday; he has also been charged with capital murder and is being held on a $2 million bond.
The case stems from a March 25 incident in which deputies with the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office responded to a kidnapping call and found the body of Teodoro Martinez, 37, burning in a vehicle near Val Verde Road and Mile 22 1/2 Road.
In a news release, sheriff’s authorities said Wednesday that investigators traced the burning vehicle, a red GMC Envoy, to its last known owners. The owners of the GMC told authorities that several days before the incident they had traded their vehicle with a female accompanied by a male who said they were “going to make the vehicle disappear.”
Investigators obtained Arredondo’s phone records which revealed he was involved in the vehicle trade. Authorities also found a video of Arredondo driving by Teodoro’s residence and pointing out the residence to an unknown individual, according to the release.
Upon further investigation, officials allege Arredondo had been assisted by three other men who were armed and masked, the release said.
The autopsy revealed that Teodoro had died due to multiple gunshot wounds.
The sheriff’s office is encouraging anyone with additional information about the case to call (956) 383-8114. To remain anonymous call the Hidalgo County Crime Stoppers Hotline at (956) 688-8477.
