Police are investigating the death of a 37-year-old Kyle man found lying in tall grass Sunday afternoon at the southwest intersection of FM 1626 and Kohler’s Crossing.
Phillip Duran, who lives with his parents, was last seen by his mother at about 10 p.m. Saturday, according to Kyle Police Chief Jeff Barnett.
Kyle Police Chief Jeff Barnett said Duran went on a routine nighttime run. He did not return home. His mother contacted police at about 9 a.m. Sunday to report him missing. Duran did not have his cell phone with him when he went running.
Justice of the Peace Beth Smith ordered an autopsy, according to Barnett. He said the preliminary report should be ready late Monday afternoon.
Kyle police say they are investigating several possibilities and had not ruled out a potential hit-and-run, death by natural causes or foul play as of Monday afternoon.
Barnett said police “are investigating all possible causes of death.”
Duran’s half-brother, Chad Benninghoff, who is in the midst of a Kyle City Council race, posted on his Facebook account about Duran, using the word “murdered” in the post.
“I last communicated with my brother Phillip Duran Saturday night. After talking about my torn calf muscle he said he was going for a run, which we both do late at night,” Benninghoff wrote on his Facebook page Sunday night. “Got a call at work from Mom Sunday morning asking if I’d seen (Duran). Advised her to call Kyle PD (police department) and local hospitals. Kyle PD searched most of the day. Got off work a couple hours early to help the search. After several hours, I found him on the shoulder south of Kohler’s Crossing on southbound 1626 murdered. Even though he was wearing his orange vest someone killed him and left the scene.”
Benninghoff alleged Sunday night on Facebook that a large vehicle, like a truck, hit his brother, and said the vehicle “is missing the black passenger mirror. Probably passenger front end damage. If you see a vehicle fitting this description please call Kyle PD immediately.”
Barnett was unable to confirm that his department is working that specific lead at this time.
“We are looking at all options, vehicles included,” Barnett said.
