GALENA PARK, Texas—An unusual set of circumstances and a lengthy chain of events led to the discovery of a dead body in the back of an SUV on Thanksgiving Day. The story involves a towed vehicle, multiple police departments and a missing HISD teacher.
According to Galena Park Police Chief Robert Pruett, Heladio Rojas Perales was reported missing on November 21. They had word that he could be endangered.
His vehicle was found on Thanksgiving Day in Needville after homeowners reported an abandoned vehicle near their property.
Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office went out to investigate, but found nothing suspicious. After running the license plates, it was discovered that the vehicle was registered to a missing man out of Galena Park.
The Galena Park Police Department sent over a patrol car and a tow truck. No one checked inside the SUV. They said they had no reason to search inside the vehicle because nothing appeared suspicious and there was no smell.
It was not until the vehicle was being processed at the tow service that Perales’ body was discovered. His body was apparently under a tarp in the cargo area of the SUV. He was the victim of a homicide.
Authorities said they believe Perales was killed in Wharton County. The case is being investigated by the Galena Park Police Department, Wharton County Sheriff's Office, and Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office. The Texas Rangers are also assisting.
HISD confirmed that Perales was a teacher at Reagan High School. He was in his fourth year of teaching at the school. A crisis team will be on the campus next week.
