Woman's body found 10 days after she vanished on night out with pals

21 May 2023 , 18:33

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Madeline Molina Pantoja had been missing since May 10 (Image: Handout)

The body of a 20-year-old woman has been found after she went missing for ten days, with police and her loved ones searching for her in agony.

Friends and relatives of Madeline Molina Pantoja urged the local authorities in Midland, Texas, around 300 miles west of Dallas to take action as she was last seen on May 10, after an outing.

Mario Juan Chacon, 24, has been arrested on first-degree murder charges in connection to her death, according to Midland County Sherrif’s records.

There were reports of arguments between a man and a woman near Pantoja's apartment on the night she disappeared.

Police didn't release information on where and how her body was found, other than that they received tips from the local community.

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Mario Juan Chacon, 24, has been arrested on first-degree murder charges in connection to her death (Midland County Sheriff's Office)

Madeline Molina Pantoja has been found dead (Handout)

A friend of the deceased, Jasmine Hernandez became worried when Ms Pantoja didn't respond to calls the next day, which was unusual for her, reported KTSM.

Ms Pantoja's phone was also reportedly found inside her home, and her car was discovered in the apartment complex parking lot.

Meanwhile, Ms Pantoja's loved ones had been actively searching various areas and have requested more information and communication from the police.

People protested against the authorities' handling of the investigation for the case of Madeline Pantoja (Handout)

A group of around 100 people held a protest outside the Midland Police Department, expressing their dissatisfaction with the investigation and the lack of focus on Pantoja's ex-boyfriend, who had a key to her apartment.

The absence of functional security cameras at the apartment complex reportedly made it difficult for investigators to determine how Ms Pantoja left or if she was accompanied.

The Midland Police Department has not released specific details about the case or named any individuals questioned regarding Ms Pantoja's disappearance, citing an ongoing investigation.

The apartment block (News West 9)

The Mayor and Chief of Police held a news conference to update the community on the investigation, assuring them that there is no immediate threat to the public.

Law enforcement agencies, including the Texas Rangers and the FBI, have been working on the case, conducting searches, executing search warrants, and interviewing people.

Vassia Barba