Staff report
The Hays County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the discovery of a badly decomposed body that was found floating in a stock tank in Kyle Thursday evening.
The body was found at approximately 8:00 p.m. Thursday after Hays County deputies responded to the 1500 block of Cotton Gin Road for a possible deceased person call, according to a press release.
According to the release, residents in the area reported to authorities a strong odor coming from a stock tank, where they believed they saw a person floating in the water.
When deputies arrived, they found the badly decomposed remains of a man in the stock tank. The cause of death is unknown at this time.
Hays County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Jeri Skrocki said the investigation, as with all death investigation cases, is being “treated as a homicide until it is proven otherwise.”
“We will have to have the final autopsy completed to get detailed answers,” Skrocki said in an emailed response.
According to the release, the subject is described as a Hispanic male who was 5’6” tall and appeared to have a tattoo between his shoulder blades that was partially observable. The last two letters of the tattoo may be “R O” in script lettering.
Authorities believe the person had been deceased for approximately one month and that the person had no dental work.
The person was wearing a black, polo-type, short-sleeved shirt with buttons engraved with “Grand Slam.” The man was also wearing “Air Walk” camouflage cargo-type shorts with a black canvas belt. He was also wearing blue boxer-brief underwear, black Puma ankle sock on the right foot only. The man was also wearing white Fila athletic shoes.
Anyone with information regarding the identity of the person or the circumstances of his death should contact detective Lenny Martinez or the Criminal Investigations Division at 512- 393-7814 or 512-393-7896.
Anyone with information regarding this or any case may the Hays County Sheriff’s Office at 512-393-7896 and speak with the Criminal Investigations Division or you may contact the Hays County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-324-TIPS (8477). Remember, you may also submit information electronically from the link on the Hays County Crime Stoppers website or by using the free “TipSubmit” application from a smart phone. Information leading to the arrest and indictment of criminal suspect(s) may be eligible for a CASH reward of up to $1,000. All calls are confidential and callers will remain anonymous. You do not have to give your name and you will not have to testify in court.