Man who picked up excavator used to bury murder victim arrested in murder investigation | State

HIDALGO COUNTY, Texas — A third suspect has been arrested in connection with a murder case in Hidalgo County. On Wednesday, May 22, 2024, sheriff’s investigators arrested 28-year-old Alejandro Cantu of Mercedes, Texas, for his alleged involvement in the murder of Juan Carlos Hernandez De Leon.

Hernandez De Leon’s body was discovered by investigators with the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) buried in a barrel at a residence in the 4600 block of Wisconsin Road in rural Edinburg, Texas. Information developed by investigators indicates that Cantu was seen picking up the backhoe used to bury the barrel containing Hernandez De Leon’s body and that he knew its contents.

Cantu was charged with tampering with evidence with intent to damage human corpses, a second-degree felony. He was arraigned on Thursday, May 23, 2024, before Justice of the Peace Jason Pena, who set bail in the amount of $1,000,000 cash.

The investigation into Hernandez De Leon’s death is ongoing, and authorities are still searching for 35-year-old Roberto Salas of Mission, Texas, who has an outstanding warrant for his arrest for murder. The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with information about this case to contact them at 956-383-8114 or submit an anonymous tip through the Hidalgo County Crime Stoppers hotline at 956-668-TIPS (8477) or the P3 TIPS smartphone application.