Remains of 28-year-old shooting victim confirmed by officials
UPDATE: El Paso police released the mugshots for Michael and Daniel Leyva. Police say Michael was booked for aggravated robbery on a separate case and rebooked for capital murder on a $1 million bond. Daniel was booked on a charge of tampering with or fabricating physical evidence. His bond was set at half a million dollars.
EL PASO, Texas --Officials have confirmed the identity of a man who was killed and had his body set on fire.
Officials say the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) confirmed the remains found in a vehicle were those of 28-year-old Manuel Sanchez Jr.
As ABC-7 has reported, 18-year-old Michael Leyva admitted to the shooting, according to court documents.
“Our condolences go out to the family of Manual Sanchez, Jr.,” said Jeffrey R. Downey, FBI El Paso Special Agent in Charge. “This senseless act of violence has left a void in their hearts. Although, we had to give parents the worst possible news about a child, we hope they can heal knowing that our agencies were able to start the path to justice for them.”
Manuel Sanchez had a form of high functioning Down syndrome. He went to play basketball at Sgt. Jesus Roberto Vasquez Park on Sept. 4 but never returned home.
On Sept. 9, his badly burned body was found in the desert near Fort Bliss, according to the FBI. Investigators say he had been shot in the head.
Sanchez's family members described him as happy and joyful.
