texas

Money, Drugs Behind Brutal Arlington Slayings: Police

A Texas medical examiner's office says a man whose dismembered body was found at separate locations in Arlington was shot to death, as was his girlfriend.

Police Lt. Christopher Cook told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram that the slaying of 27-year-old Erick "Diablo" Zelaya is believed to be the result of illegal drugs and money.

Cook says Zelaya's 17-year-old girlfriend, Iris Chirinos, may have been targeted simply because she was with Zelaya when he was killed.

The Tarrant County medical examiner's office ruled Friday that both victims died of gunshot wounds.

Zelaya's head was found Sept. 2 near a walking trail in a wooded area. The rest of his body and Chirinos' body were later found buried behind an Arlington house after investigators acted on a tip.

Two suspects were arrested. Jail records on Saturday show one was no longer in custody, while the second was being held on suspicion of murder.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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