Lubbock Police announced Thursday a friend of missing Lubbock teen Mark Anthony Ysasaga is being charged with his murder. Though a body has not been found, investigators say they believe Jose Angel Simental, 20, killed Ysasaga at a home in Lubbock.
Ysasaga was 15 when he was last seen at the WalMart at the South Loop and Quaker Avenue the morning of June 14, 2012. According to the arrest warrant Simental, Ysasaga and one other person were seen on surveillance video leaving the store. Ysasaga’s mother reported him missing a day later.
http://liarcatchers.com/missing_persons_investigations.html
“Based on the information available at the time it was investigated as a missing persons case,” Captain Jon Caspell said. There were many searches around various parts of the area over the past few years. Posters and billboards asked for the public’s help.
In July 2012, according to the warrant, investigators searched a home where Simental lived, on 27th Street near Flint Avenue. The home’s owner said new carpet and padding had been placed in the home. A detective noticed something was smeared or cleaned from about six feet of the hardwood.
It was March 2015 that other clues led investigators back to the home. According to the warrant, blood was found on the underside of removed floorboards.
“The blood evidence was in an amount and location that, when combined with statements and other corroborating evidence, led us to believe we had indeed located the scene of a homicide,” Caspell said. Forensics investigators confirmed in April the blood was Ysasaga’s.
Caspell said the department has proceeded with murder charges despite not finding a body before. “This does make it difficult without a body, but not impossible.”
Simental is being held on unrelated charges in Brazoria County, Texas. The extradition process will begin soon.
Police continue to ask for the public’s help. This includes the search for Ysasaga’s body.
“We think that’s absolutely critical, first and foremost for his family,” Caspell said. “They deserve to have closure and a place to lay him to rest.”
Investigators believe other people were involved. If you know anything in this case contact CrimeLine at 806.741.1000. You can remain anonymous. A $10,000 reward is being offered for any information that leads to the recovery of Ysasaga.
