HARLINGEN — Three people have been arraigned on charges in connection with the killing of a man whose body was found in an irrigation canal.
The victim appears to have been shot at least once. Police have a possible identity, but they haven’t confirmed it.
Gregorio Ramirez, 33, of Primera was arraigned on first-degree murder, third-degree felony arson, third-degree felony tampering with evidence and a first-degree felony charge of engaging in organized criminal activity. His bond was set at $800,000.
Mayra Alejandra Camero, 22, of Brownsville was arraigned on first-degree murder, third-degree felony arson, third-degree felony tampering with evidence and a first degree felony charge of engaging in organized criminal activity. Her bond was set at $500,000.
Jesus Antonio Ramirez, 30, of Primera was charged with a second-degree felony charge of engaging in organized criminal activity, third-degree felony tampering with evidence and a Class A misdemeanor charge of failing to report a felony. His bond was set at $195,000.
The case started about 4 a.m. Friday when witnesses heard people arguing inside a late model Ford pickup truck in the parking lot of the Best Western Hotel at 4317 S. Expressway 77.
As the truck was leaving the lot, the witnesses heard a gunshot and saw a muzzle flash.
About four hours later, a pickup matching the description of the suspect vehicle was found burning on a canal bank in a farm field off of Wilson Road, just west of Bass Boulevard. It was a late model Ford F150 four-door truck.
An intensive investigation ensued involving Harlingen police, sheriff’s deputies and state and federal law enforcement officers, Police Chief Jeffry Adickes said.
That led to the arrest of the three people Saturday night.
Adickes said that further evidence developed in the case Saturday night led investigators back to the irrigation canal Sunday morning, when the body was found in the canal waters.
The victim had what appeared to be at least one gunshot wound.
No further information is being released by police as the investigation continues.
