Madeline Pantoja

Texas Woman Missing for 10 Days Found Dead, Arrest Made

Police in Midland, Texas, have made an arrest in the disappearance of 20-year-old Madeline Pantoja, who returned home after a night out 10 days ago and vanished.

The Midland Police Department said it was charging Mario Juan Chacon Jr with murder, the Midland Reporter-Telegram said.

KOSA reported that remains, identified as Pantoja, had been found in a rural area southeast of the city. An autopsy will be conducted in Dallas County, the station said.

Mario Juan Chacon Jr/Midland County Sheriff’s Office

As CrimeOnline previously reported, Pantoja stopped responding to texts and phone calls after she returned home on May 10. A friend and sibling went to her apartment, but the door was locked and no one answered.

They called Midland Police, who broke in and found Pantoja’s phone, keys, and dog inside. Her car was in the parking lot.

Neighbors reported hearing arguing  at the apartment that night, and screaming around 1 a.m. A surveillance camera captured a pickup truck speeding away from the apartment.

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[Feature Photo: Madeline Pantoja/Family Handout]