BROWNSVILLE — When investigators recovered Martha Beatrice Adams’ body from the Laguna Madre, they discovered she had been bound with zip ties and a rope.
BROWNSVILLE — When investigators recovered Martha Beatrice Adams’ body from the Laguna Madre, they discovered she had been bound with zip ties and a rope.
She also had been weighed down with two 25-pound metal weights, the type used in weight lifting.
That was Sunday afternoon. The investigation into the 53-year-old McAllen woman’s death led to the arrest of her son-in-law yesterday.
Monte Eric Jordan, 59, has been charged with first-degree murder and is being held without bond.
Cameron County Sheriff Omar Lucio explained that Jordon is Adams’ son-in-law because he was married to her 26-year-old daughter.
Lucio said he does not yet have a motive for the killing. But he said investigators found zip ties and a rope similar to those on Adams’ body in Jordon’s vehicle.
The case began about 1:30 p.m. Sunday when a Coast Guard crew on routine patrol discovered the body in the bay south of the Causeway.
Sheriff’s investigators boarded a Texas Parks and Wildlife boat and were taken to the scene out on the bay to retrieve the body.
Lucio said a positive identification was made through fingerprints.
Investigators soon learned that Adams had not been seen since last Thursday night and that family members had reported her missing.
Cameron County sheriff’s investigators, taking the lead in the murder case, met with McAllen Police Department officials and were briefed on the missing person case.
Wednesday, April 19 – Martha Beatrice Adams’ car is stolen.
Thursday, April 27, about 8 p.m. – Adams is last seen in McAllen.
Saturday, April 29 – Monte Eric Jordon is arrested on a charge of “unauthorized use of a motor vehicle,” Adams’ car.
Sunday, 1:30 p.m. – Adams’ body is found in the Laguna Madre.
Monday – Investigators search Jordon’s home and vehicle and find zip ties and a rope similar to those found on the body of Adams.
Yesterday – Jordon is arrested about 2:30 p.m.
Source: Cameron County Sheriff’s Department.
