Officials have released a photograph of a “person of interest” in the case of a retired Massachusetts priest found dead in Willacy County.
The Honda passenger car belonging to the Rev. William Costello, 71, was seen being driven by a person of interest in connection to Costello’s murder, the Department of Public Safety confirmed in a statement released Thursday.
A photo released by the DPS shows a man with short dark hair driving a car. They also released a picture of the priest’s 2009 Honda Accord.
Police did not release information on where the photograph was taken by a surveillance camera.
Police are looking for the Honda passenger car with the license plate JFN-2562.
Costello disappeared from the Tiki Condominiums on South Padre Island on Aug. 1. Also missing was his small dog Grace. His remains were discovered on Aug. 17 in a remote area between two levees about three miles east of Santa Monica.
Juan Carlos Baez Escobedo, 27, of San Benito, is being held on $2 million bail charged with Costello’s death. He is also charged with tampering with physical evidence. Earlier, officials said they were searching for several suspects.
Costello, who served as a parish priest in Massachusetts, came to Texas more than three years ago, the Catholic Diocese in Fall River, Mass., stated.
If the public has any information about the individual in the photo or the victim’s vehicle, they are urged to call the Texas Department of Public Safety or the Texas Rangers.
Police said all tips can be offered anonymously.
MORE INFO
To call in a tip on this case call:
Texas Department of Public Safety (956) 565-7600
Texas Rangers (956) 565-7651
