By Rich Flowers News Editor
The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office has identified two suspects in connection with the stabbing death of a 52-year-old Malakoff man, Friday.
Investigator Bryan Tower said he expects to get a murder warrant on 30-year-old Mariano Rivera Ramirez, who has been in jail since early Saturday on a charge of resisting arrest.
He is also being held on a federal detainer from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Also sought in connection with the murder are Cecilio Padron Perez, and a third person who has not yet been identified.
HCSO reports released Monday, said a road crew discovered the body of Elizalde Jose-Morales of Malakoff near the Anderson County line Friday.
Tower said the victim was probably killed near the wooded area beside State Highway 59.
Sgt. Thomas Goodell responded to the deceased-person report, and was soon joined by Sheriff Ray Nutt and the HCSO command staff. The officers combed the area for forensic evidence, and also discovered a weapon that they suspect 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.
HCSO reports said Morales was last seen at the Laredo Ballroom in Malakoff on Thanksgiving Day.
Tower said Morales was probably driven to the area in a truck, then killed.
HCSO asks anyone who might have seen any suspicious activity on SH 59 late Thanksgiving, or early the following day, to contact the department at (903) 675-5128.
