MURDERED: Leon Laureles

Written By M Diaries

On May 10th of 1996, a newspaper in Brown County, Texas published a shocking photograph of a crime scene. The picture was taken on the side of a gravel road, pointed in the direction of a fence that marks the edge of a gun range.

In the right corner, you can see a charred, circular expanse of grass where a car was set on fire. On the left, seven men stand huddled around the exact spot where Leon Laureles was murdered.

Six of them are law enforcement officers; the tallest one is the head sheriff. The seventh man, standing on the opposite side of the fence in a T-shirt and trucker cap, points at something on the ground. 

So what’s shocking about this photo? First, the man in the trucker cap is both the town undertaker and the owner of the gun range. Why has he been invited to an open-investigation crime scene?

Second, the men aren’t wearing gloves. They don’t have cameras or evidence bags.

This photograph remains proof that Leon’s case did not include a forensic investigation. His case was swept under the rug, and remains unsolved to this day.

Leon’s case follows a long line of Texas crimes that have received very little media and police attention due to prejudice. Because of the way Leon’s case has been neglected, it’s been challenging for his family and friends to get the justice they deserve.

Twenty-seven years after his death, his legacy as a brother, uncle, cousin, caretaker, coworker, and dear friend lives on. 

His name was Leon Laureles.

Photo of Leon

Leon’s car

Kroger

Leon’s place of employment

Location where Leon’s car and body were discovered

Photo detailed above

Location where Leon’s car and body were discovered

Aerial view of gun range

 

Leon’s family are continuing to fight for answers. If you have any information regarding Leon’s murder, please contact the Brown County Sheriff’s Office at (325) 646-5510 or the Heart of Texas Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

You can contribute to the investigation through Leon’s GoFundMe, by following “Justice For Leon Laureles” on Facebook, and by sharing his story with friends and family.

 
 
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