By Rich Flowers News Editor
The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office continued its investigation Monday into the brutal stabbing death of a man found near the Anderson County line Friday.
HCSO reports said a road crew discovered the body shortly before 11 a.m. in a wooded area beside State Highway 59 about a mile-and-a-half from the Anderson County line. The deceased was identified as 52-year-old Elizalde Jose-Morales of Malakoff.
Sgt. Thomas Goodell was the first to respond to the deceased person report. After viewing the body, Goodell summoned Sheriff Ray Nutt and the HCSO command staff to the location. The officers collected forensic evidence, and discovered a weapon they believe was used in the killing.
Precinct 5 Justice of the Peace Tommy Barnett ordered the body sent to the Southwest Institute of Forensic Sciences in Dallas for an autopsy. Preliminary results showed that Morales had sustained 26 stab and sharp-force-trauma wounds.
Investigator Bryan Tower and Maj. Kevin Hanes were assigned the case, and have been actively pursuing leads.
After speaking to people in the area, the officers learned that Morales was last seen at the Laredo Ballroom in Malakoff on Thanksgiving Day.
Henderson County District Attorney Scott McKee’s office assisted in the investigation at the crime scene. The Shady Oaks Volunteer Fire Department assisted with traffic control as officers combed the area where Morales was discovered, and cleared the body from the scene.
