At the crime scene, police say they found gloves, a mummy-style sleeping bag, cleaning supplies and bags of cement allegedly purchased by the suspect.
SAN ANTONIO — A 31-year-old man has been arrested after San Antonio police say his father was found dead inside a trash bag.
Authorities said Daniel Sebastian Ordonez is facing a charge with tampering with evidence and failure to report human remains following the discovery of the body of his father, 54-year-old Daniel Antonio Ordonez, on the city’s west side.
Police went to Ordonez’s home on Vera Cruz Street near Castroville Road after a relative reported the older Ordonez missing. When officers arrived Tuesday night, they found his body inside a large black trash bag in a separate structure behind the house. Investigators said the bag, with black duct tape, was leaking blood.
The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Daniel Antonio Ordonez died from a gunshot wound to the head.
Neighbors expressed shock at the discovery. Diana Escobedo, who lives across the street, said the news was devastating.
“It was devastating because we did not see it coming,” Escobedo said, adding that the killing was “very heartbreaking” and left neighbors searching for answers.
As part of the investigation, police said they located the victim’s phone and keys buried in a potted plant at another property he owned on West Theo Avenue on the south side. His vehicle was also found with a bullet hole in the driver’s side rear window.
Investigators said Daniel Sebastian Ordonez and his wife arrived at the West Theo location while officers were there and gave consent to search the Vera Cruz home, where all three lived.
During that search, officers found signs that blood had been cleaned both inside and outside the residence, according to police.
Authorities also obtained surveillance video showing the younger Ordonez purchasing items from local stores, including black duct tape matching what was found on the trash bag. Police said additional items allegedly purchased by him included gloves, a black “mummy” style sleeping bag, cleaning supplies and two 50-pound bags of cement.
Investigators believe the suspect attempted to conceal and destroy evidence related to his father’s killing.
Neighbors described the victim as a kind and religious man who volunteered at church.
“I just share my condolences to his family, his kids, his wife and hope that they find peace in their heart,” Escobedo said.
Daniel Sebastian Ordonez remained in the Bexar County Jail as of Sunday. No bond had been set.
The investigation remains ongoing.