Bustos-Diaz had been working as a ranch hand at The Oaks of Kendalwood stables in northwest Harris County when he committed the homicide in 2005, officials say.
SAN ANTONIO — Authorities are seeking information on a Texas inmate who escaped custody in 2010 after serving time for a 2005 homicide in Harris County.
Jose Fernando Bustos-Diaz, who pleaded guilty to murder and was serving a 35-year sentence in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ), escaped on April 6, 2010, from the Briscoe Unit in Dilley, Texas. The facility is located in Frio County, about 70 miles southwest of San Antonio, and is not associated with the ICE detention facility.
Bustos-Diaz had been working as a ranch hand at The Oaks of Kendalwood stables in northwest Harris County when he committed the homicide on Jan. 30, 2005, according to authorities.
Following his escape, both TDCJ and the Frio County Sheriff’s Office issued warrants charging him with escape.
On April 13, 2010, the U.S. Marshals Service issued a federal warrant for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles also issued a parole violation warrant tied to his original homicide conviction.
Investigators believe Bustos-Diaz may have fled to Mexico as he is wanted on charges including escape (original offense: homicide), unlawful flight to avoid prosecution and parole violation.
Authorities are offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to his arrest.
Anyone with information is urged to submit a tip anonymously through the agency’s website, call 877-403-8477 (TIPS), or use the P3 Tips mobile app.