Human remains found in septic tank belong to woman missing since 2004
The occupant of a South Texan residence got more than he bargained for when he decided it was time to service the property's septic tank.
When he opened up the tank on July 26 this year, he was horrified to discover human remains inside, immediately calling the local sheriff to report the discovery of a "large bone" and boot in the tank.
It was announced on Tuesday by the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office that the skeletal remains belonged to Leona Johnson, 21, who had been missing for 13 years.
DNA testing revealed that Johnson, who was 21 when she disappeared in 2004, had been stabbed to death.
According to a statement released by the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office, a murder warrant has been released for the man who owns the property in Edcouch where the remains were found.
Investigators identified the property owner as Aristeo Cervantes Jr, 40, who is already serving a 12-year sentence in a Texan prison for stabbing his wife to death at the same residence in 2015.
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During questioning, Cervantes confessed to murdering a woman and placing her body in the tank "approximately 10-12 years ago," according to the police statement.
An autopsy revealed that Johnson had been stabbed with a sharp object, injuries consistent with Cervantes' confession.
