TRAGIC DISCOVERY UNFOLDS IN MEYERLAND, TEXAS 

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, a family's desperate search for their missing loved one took a devastating turn when they discovered the lifeless body of a 21-year-old woman in the trunk of her car in Texas. 

A FAMILY'S DESPERATE SEARCH

@houstonpolice via X
@houstonpolice via X
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The 21-year old woman's family became concerned after losing communication with her early Tuesday morning. Police were contacted and they began an investigation. As investigators piece together the timeline of events, Houston police are reaching out to the community for assistance. Residents in the Meyerland area, especially along Indigo Street near Braesmont Drive, are urged to check their security cameras between 8:20 a.m. and 1:40 p.m. on Tuesday. 

CONFESSION AND THE SHOCKING MOTIVE

As the investigation unfolded, the true horror of the situation emerged. According to court records, the victim's former boyfriend, 19-year-old Ariel Cruz, was accused of shooting and killing her. The motive, as revealed in the bail motion, was reportedly rooted in a past breakup. 

THE SUSPECT CHILLINGLY STUCK AROUND THE CRIME SCENE

@houstonpolice via X
@houstonpolice via X
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A chilling detail revealed that Cruz was reportedly present at the scene, consoling the family for most of the day on Tuesday while investigators combed through the details. The family described Cruz as a good friend of the woman, emphasizing his proximity to the family even over the weekend.

ARRESTED AND CHARGED

Cruz, who had been friends with the victim for 9 years, was booked into the Harris County Jail around 2:30 a.m. on Wednesday, his bond set at $600,000. 

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