Two relatives of a man apprehended for a fatal Kyle hit-and-run incident have been arrested after authorities believe they might have played a role in covering up the crime.
As the investigation continues, authorities have now located the vehicle they believe Gilbert Villegas, 47, of San Marcos, was driving when he allegedly struck and killed Kyle resident John Lyon in late May.
Kevin Sean Deleon, 31, of San Marcos, was charged with Tampering with Physical Evidence, a third- degree felony, along with False Report to a Peace Officer, which is a Class-B misdemeanor, according to a press release. Last week, authorities arrested Daniel Villegas, 50, of San Marcos, who was booked on a charge of tampering with physical evidence.
Daniel Villegas is Gilbert Villegas’ brother, while Deleon, who was in the Hays County Jail on an unrelated charge when he was served with arrest warrants, is their nephew, according to a press release.
Kyle Police also recovered a charcoal gray Kia Optima they believe is the suspect vehicle in the hit-and-run incident. The vehicle, which was discovered with its front bumper missing, was located in an out-building on a large property located in a remote area of Comal County, said Jeff Barnett, Kyle Police Chief, in a statement. Investigators used air surveillance, courtesy of the Texas Department of Public Safety Aviation Unit, to locate the vehicle.
Barnett said the landowner, who is not related to Villegas, didn’t know the vehicle was hidden in his building.
“Investigators were diligent in their efforts to locate Villegas, and arrest two of his family members for their involvement in covering up the hit and run,” Barnett said in a statement. “Locating the vehicle was a key piece of the puzzle and now we have that as well.”
Authorities began their investigation after a passing motorist discovered the body of a bicyclist, later identified as Lyon, in the grass along the southbound Interstate 35 access road near the Yarrington Road exit.
Kyle Police received the help of several entities, including the Gulf Coast Violent Offender Task Force, the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force and the U.S. Marshal’s Office in its investigation.
On June 20, authorities located and arrested Gilbert Villegas in the Houston area. Villegas was booked into the Hays County Jail June 29 on a charge of accident involving death, a second-degree felony, and tampering with physical evidence. Gilbert Villegas is being held in the Hays County Jail on $325,000 bond.
Barnett lauded the support of the agencies that helped Kyle Police with its investigation.
“I greatly appreciate the help and cooperation from Texas DPS Aviation Unit, Comal Co. Sheriff’s Office, the Texas Rangers, Hays County Sheriff’s Office and San Marcos Police Department,” Barnett said.
Daniel Villegas was released from jail June 29 on $5,000 bond, while Deleon was released July 1 on $30,000 bond.
