The Bexar County Medical Examiner is working to identify the man and the cause of death.
SAN ANTONIO — A body possibly connected to the six people found dead inside a Union Pacific boxcar in Laredo was discovered Monday afternoon in southwest Bexar County, according to the sheriff’s office.
Sheriff Javier Salazar announced Monday that a man’s body had been discovered between a tree line and railroad tracks near Pue and Wolf Road around 1:30 p.m. He noted that a tip was received this weekend that someone may have died near the tracks.
The sheriff said they believe a train had originated from Del Rio, when a sensor went off indicating the door to the boxcar had been opened. The train continued to travel through the San Antonio area when another sensor went off – indicating another door opening. The train then stopped at a nearby substation and was ultimately split up, with one half heading to Houston and the other to Laredo – where the six bodies were found.
Salazar said investigators believe the cases are connected because a relative of one of the victims called law enforcement Saturday, reporting their loved one was in danger aboard a train in the San Antonio area.
The sheriff also said the train boxes are probably around 120 degrees Fahrenheit and are airtight, meaning they cannot be opened from the inside.
“So, the fact that a sensor hit from here indicates someone opened that from the outside,” Salazar said.
BCSO believes the sensor was likely triggered when suspected human smugglers opened the train car door and either discovered the body and left it behind, or the man fell out after leaning against the door when it was opened.
The Bexar County Medical Examiner is working to identify the man and the cause of death.
Salazar said BCSO will continue to work with Border Patrol and Union Pacific in this investigation.
The sheriff said anyone with information or someone who may have noticed suspicious activity in the area from Saturday afternoon until Sunday afternoon, are urged to call BCSO at 210-335-6000.