BEAR COUNTY, TX – A grim discovery has been made in a wooded area near the Wild Horse Subdivision in northwest Bear County, where authorities found a body matching the description of a missing 28-year-old woman. The body, which was discovered during a search operation, is believed to be that of Maria Delis Labrador Sila, who was reported missing earlier this week. However, official confirmation from the Bear County Medical Examiner is still pending.
The Bear County Sheriff’s Office is treating the case as a potential homicide. Sheriff Javier Salazar stated that while the body matches the missing woman’s description, they are awaiting the medical examiner’s determination on both identity and cause of death. Maria, originally from Cuba, relocated to the United States last year with her boyfriend, leaving her family and friends anxiously awaiting news back home.
A close friend of Maria, speaking virtually from Cuba, described her as family-like, expressing the distress and turmoil felt by Maria’s loved ones. The friend noted that Maria’s father is particularly distraught over the situation. Maria was last seen with her boyfriend on Monday morning, and her sudden disappearance without her phone or wallet was uncharacteristic, as she was known for staying in touch with her family.
The investigation intensified after Maria’s boyfriend reported her missing on Monday night. He informed investigators that she often visited Wild Horse Sports Park and St. Anthony Mary Claret Catholic Church on Roft Road. Following this lead, the missing persons unit commenced a search, leading to the discovery of the body in the nearby wooded area.
Sheriff Salazar revealed that the body showed signs of trauma but bore no gunshot wounds. A weapon was recovered at the scene, though details about it remain undisclosed. The Sheriff’s Office is actively working with Maria’s family in Cuba to provide them with answers as swiftly as possible.
Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the case or who might have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area to come forward. The investigation remains ongoing as officials seek to piece together the events leading to this tragic discovery.