Murder Investigation Update

On December 12, 2024, at approximately 4:33 p.m., a concerned citizen arrived at the Del Rio Police Department requesting a welfare check for a relative. Police responded to the address located in the 1100 block of Avenue K and requested the Criminal Investigation Division after observing what appeared to be blood.

Forced entry was made, and a deceased 72-year-old male was discovered with multiple injuries to the face and body.

The scene was secured, and Detectives began a homicide investigation, learning that the male victim had recently allowed a relative to reside with him. The relative, identified as Jose Angel Arreola Jr., 48 years of age, was not on the scene, nor was the victim's vehicle. The missing vehicle provided Detectives with an initial lead for the investigation.

Detectives researched their database and tracked the victim's vehicle to the area of San Antonio, Texas, prior.

The vehicle was entered into the TCIC/NCIC database as a stolen vehicle. On December 13, 2024, the victim's vehicle was located unattended in Leon Valley, Texas, by the Leon Valley Police Department. The vehicle was recovered and transported back to Del Rio, Texas, for processing.

Detectives obtained two arrest warrants against Arreola for the offenses of Theft of Property ($2,500 < $30,000) and Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle. The arrest warrants were entered into the TCIC/NCIC database with the assistance of the Val Verde Sheriff's Office.

On December 15, 2024, Detectives were contacted by the Leon Valley Police Department, who had arrested Arreola for a Burglary of a Habitation that he committed in their jurisdiction. Arreola was processed for the two outstanding arrest warrants along with the new charge of Burglary of a Habitation. Arreola was remanded to the custody of the Bexar County Adult Detention Center.

On December 17, 2024, Detectives obtained a search warrant for the victim's vehicle, resulting in the discovery of the suspected weapon used in the crime, described as a machete. Arrest warrant was obtained against Arreola for the offense of Murder. The arrest warrant was issued and later executed against Jose Angel Arreola Jr. at the Bexar County Adult Detention Center, where he currently remains in custody.