The body of an older Hispanic man was discovered Thursday in a roadside ditch along FM 1010 in Cleveland.
According to Capt. David Meyers, spokesperson for the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, the discovery was made by a Cleveland ISD police officer who noticed something unusual in the ditch near the east side of FM 1010, just north of New Salem Road, and stopped to investigate. Upon closer inspection, the officer realized it was a body and immediately contacted the sheriff’s office.
Deputies and investigators from the sheriff’s office responded to the scene, joined by DPS troopers and Texas Ranger Josh Benson. Meyers said that based on the condition of the remains, it appears the body had been lying in the ditch for a couple of days.
“We have investigators with our criminal investigation division here looking for evidence on the roadway, looking for anything that might tell us how this person ended up here,” Meyers said.
The man is believed to be between 64 and 66 years old. While investigators think they may have identified him, his name is being withheld until next of kin can be notified. The body showed no signs of obvious trauma, and the remains were fully clothed.
The cause of death is unknown, and an autopsy has been ordered to determine how he died.
An update will be posted as soon as more information becomes available.
Why did the have to close the road for all day with a dozen or so officers? Does it really take that many officers to investigate a crime scene?