(September 2, 2008)—An 18-year-old Texas man was in custody Tuesday after a motorist found a suitcase in a wooded area in Harris County containing the body of his girlfriend’s mother.
The Harris County Sheriff's Office said the body of Maria Rodriguez, 55, was found Sunday morning.
The Houston Chronicle reported a man who was driving along a secluded private road discovered the body in a black suitcase in the woods.
Investigators later discovered Rodriguez had been reported missing by her husband Friday.
Gerson Funes-Reina was in the county jail Tuesday morning.
Authorities said the victim's daughter said she helped her boyfriend put the body in a suitcase and then dispose of it.
No charges had been filed against the 17-year-old by early Tuesday.
The cause of Rodriguez’ death was not immediately available.