PALESTINE —
Palestine police believe the third suspect wanted in last month’s murder of a local man has fled the area.
Local authorities are continuing to seek 19-year-old Rafael Marquez Jr. of Palestine in connection with the stabbing death of Jason Villanueva.
Police say they found Villanueva lying near the street with a stab wound to the upper chest during the wee morning hours of Sept. 9 after they had received a report of a fight involving multiple persons at the corner of Howard and Illinois streets.
Villanueva was transported to Palestine Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced dead, according to Palestine Police Sgt. James Muniz.
Jose Arturo Garcia, 23, and Franco Garcia, 36, were charged with Villanueva’s murder later that same day. The Garcias, who are brothers, were released from the Anderson County Jail one day following their arrests after each posted a $100,000 bond.
Police obtained a warrant for Marquez’ arrest shortly after the murder, but have been unable to locate the suspect.
“We believe he’s left the area,” Muniz told the Herald-Press Tuesday. “We have other agencies helping us try to look for him.”
Without providing any specifics as to where police believe the suspect may be hiding, the sergeant said the U.S. marshal’s office is among the agencies assisting in the search for Marquez.
The fight which ultimately claimed Villanueva’s life involved “more than five people,” Muniz said last month.
Anyone providing information leading to the arrest and conviction of a suspect in the case may receive a reward of up to $1,000 from Anderson County Crimestoppers.
Crimestoppers may be contacted by calling (903) 729-TIPS (8477).
-------------
Paul Stone may be contacted via e-mail at pstone@palestineherald.com
Local News
Police seeking third murder suspect
- Local News
-
-
Memorial Day celebration set Saturday
The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3907 will hold a Memorial Day celebration on Saturday featuring barbecue, live music, an auction and more.
-
Longview man injured in motorcycle wreck
A Longview man remained in fair condition in a Tyler hospital Monday following a one-vehicle motorcycle wreck Friday near Montalba on Texas 19.
-
Traffic stop leads to arrest
A Palestine man remained in jail Monday on drug-related charges following a suspicious vehicle stop in Anderson County on Saturday.
According to Sheriff Greg Taylor, while on patrol in the early morning hours on Saturday, deputy Johnny Gorden saw a suspicious vehicle sitting on the side of U.S. 287 between Palestine and Elkhart. -
Residents urged to welcome back local troops on Wednesday
Palestine area residents are asked to help welcome back the local National Guard troops, which will be coming by bus to the National Guard Armory in Palestine at about 3 p.m. Wednesday.
-
Community invited to welcome back National Guard troops
The community is asked to help welcome back the local National Guard troops, which will be coming by bus to the National Guard Armory in Palestine at about 3 p.m. Wednesday.
-
Texas Area Fund Foundation kicks off new program
The Texas Area Fund Foundation kicked off its newest program — The Action Fund — Thursday evening at an event hosted in the home of Francis and Cad Williams.
-
Police department seeking input from citizens on text alert program
The Palestine Police Department is asking for input from citizens regarding the feasibility of introducing a new communication program call Citizen Observer Tip411, an e-mail and text alert system that would allow for outgoing alerts and information to citizens.
-
Palestine Police participating in national 'Click It or Ticket' campaign
The Palestine Police Department and City Marshal’s Office has announced their participation in the 2013 national Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement mobilization to help save lives by cracking down on those who don’t buckle up.
-
Anderson County Commissioners OK grant application for sheriff's office
During a special meeting Friday, Anderson County commissioners gave the go-ahead to Sheriff Greg Taylor to apply for a grant that would help fund salaries for two additional drug unit investigators for the department.
-
Triplett concedes in mayor's race
Local businessman Timothy Triplett conceded the election to Palestine mayoral candidate Therrell Thomas Thursday, after asking for a recount following the May 11 election.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Memorial Day celebration set Saturday
Jodi Arias: Death Penalty Would Cause More Pain
Looking for Love? Take the Prague Metro
Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister
First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge
Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion
Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God'
Slow Pokes: Acupuncture Helps Sick Turtles
Moore, Okla. City of Reunions, Tears After Storm
Former IRS Chief: Can't Say How List Happened
Gov. Fallin: Okla. Facing Horrific Disaster
Tim Cook Defends Apple's Tax Accounting
AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out
Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado
Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado
OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded
Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
