HARLINGEN – Police have identified the man who was shot and left for dead in an irrigation canal over the weekend.
Investigators say Jose Filiberto Casillas, 33, of Houston appears to have been shot at least once.
Three people have been arraigned on charges in connection with the killing of Casillas.
Gregorio Ramirez, 33, of Primera, and Mayra Alejandra Camero, 22, of Brownsville are charged with murder, arson, tampering with evidence and engaging in organized criminal activity. His bond was set at $800,000. Her bond was set at $500,000.
Jesus Antonio Ramirez, 30, of Primera was charged with a engaging in organized criminal activity, tampering with evidence and failing to report a felony. His bond was set at $195,000.
Police say the men are brothers.
The investigation started at 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 left witnesses say they heard a gunshot and saw a muzzle flash.
Four hours later, a Ford F-150 four-door truck was found burning on a canal bank off of Wilson Road, west of Bass Boulevard. The truck was similar to the one seen at the hotel.
Further evidence developed in the case Saturday night led investigators back to the irrigation canal Sunday morning where Casillas’ body was found in the canal.
