ANSON, Texas — A West Texas grand jury has indicted a man in connection with the 2022 killing of a man whose body was discovered along a rural Jones County roadway, authorities announced.
The Jones County Grand Jury on June 24 returned an indictment charging Juan Carlos Rodriguez with the murder of Christopher Zarate, according to the Jones County Sheriff’s Office. Following the indictment, a warrant was issued for Rodriguez’s arrest.
Rodriguez is currently being held in the Taylor County Jail on unrelated charges. Court records did not immediately indicate whether he has retained an attorney who could comment on the murder charge.
The indictment stems from an investigation that began on Dec. 31, 2022, when the Jones County Sheriff’s Office received a report from a passing motorist about a possible deceased person off County Road 310.
Deputies responding to the scene found the body of an adult male, later identified as Christopher Zarate, lying off the roadway.
Authorities determined the case was a homicide after investigators suspected foul play. The investigation has been conducted jointly by the Jones County Sheriff’s Office, the Texas Rangers and the Abilene Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division.
Investigators have not publicly released details about the circumstances of Zarate’s death or a possible motive.
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Officials said the investigation remains active and encouraged anyone with information related to the case to contact law enforcement.