Arrest came weeks after a missing 61-year-old was found dead in a ditch in Fort Bend County

NEEDVILLE, Texas – An arrest has been made in the case of a 61-year-old man who was found dead in a ditch by construction workers on June 11.

The suspect, 33-year-old Emilio Cruz Jr., was charged with failure to render aid in connection with the death of Enrique Godinez.

Cruz was arrested and booked into the Fort Bend County Jail. His bail was set at $100,000.

WHAT HAPPENED

On June 11, at approximately 1:13 p.m., officers were called to a construction site in the 6900 block of FM 361, south of Rosenberg and north of Needville.

Workers investigating the area told officials they found a decomposing body in a sewage ditch in the rural area.

When examining the crime scene, officers said they also found a damaged bicycle and debris from a vehicle near the body.

Investigators said traffic reports on May 24, a few weeks earlier, showed a Lamar Consolidated Independent School District police officer reported an accident in the area. According to the report, an FBCSO officer responded, spoke with a driver and took their information, but no further information about the incident was released.

Officials said they then discovered that a missing person report was received by Rosenburg Police on May 28. Officials said the person named in the report had been missing since May 19.

On Monday, it was confirmed that the missing person was 61-year-old Enrique Godinez, who was found in the ditch.

Deputies said they have now identified a suspect and vehicle connected to the incident.

An internal investigation has also been launched in connection with the May 24 investigation.

“Our officers and investigators have worked tirelessly on this case to bring clarity to such a tragic incident,” said Sheriff Eric Fagan. “Words cannot adequately express the sadness we feel for the Godinez family.”