HOUSTON COUNTY, Texas (KTRE) - The Houston County sheriff said more arrests could be possible Wednesday in connection to a teen found beaten to death.
Michael Ortiz, 16, was found dead near a creek off County Road 4020 on Friday, May 2, after he was last seen on April 29, causing police to launch a murder investigation. Four suspects, including two minors, have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Sheriff Zak Benge confirmed Wednesday the two minors arrested in connection with Ortiz’s death are charged with murder. Emmanuel “Manny” Mata, 20, Edgar Duarte Hernandez, 18, both of Crockett, were also charged with murder and accused of luring, ambushing, and beating Ortiz to death.
Benge also said more arrests could be possible as the investigation continues.
“We’ve still got a few more people we need to interview, and we would like to get in custody,” Benge said. “We’re actively searching for those people at this time and hoping that we’re able to get them in our custody and be able to interview them in the near future.”
Benge added the minors are not being held at the Houston County Jail but instead an undisclosed location.
He said he hopes the investigation will come to a close within the next few days.
Anyone with information on the incident can contact the Houston County Sheriff’s Office at 936-554-2826 or anonymously through Crimestoppers at 936-639-TIPS.