By David Lohr

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November 10, 2006

DICKINSON, Tex. (Crime Library) — The family of Terressa L. Vanegas is desperate to find the person or persons, responsible for the 16-year-old's mysterious death.  According to police reports, Terressa's body was found behind the Dickinson High School last Friday.  The Galveston County Medical Examiner's Office conducted the autopsy last week and ruled her death a homicide, however the cause of death is still pending. 

According to family members, Terressa was last seen on Halloween night after hanging out with some friends.  The teen had planned on staying at a friend's house that night, however those plans fell through and she was last seen walking home.  Terressa's parents were not aware of the change in plans and did not realize their daughter was missing until the following day.  When they were unable to locate her, they filed a missing persons report with the Dickinson Police Department.

Terressa L. Vanegas

In an interview with KHOU.com, Dickinson Police Chief Ron Morales said there were no clear signs about how Terressa died.  He said her clothed body was found in a field, approximately 200 yards behind the school.  I find Morales' comments particularly interesting, as my own research has turned up information that conflicts with his statements.

Chief Ron Morales

According to a source close to the investigation, a man on a dirt bike discovered Terressa's body early Friday afternoon.  The man quickly ran over to a nearby apartment and asked for help.  A woman by the name of Sylvia answered his call for help and followed him over to the body.  According to Sylvia, Terressa was lying in a shallow drainage ditch.  She said Terressa's shirt had been ripped off, her pants were pulled down to her knees and there was a belt laced tightly around her neck.  This description, of course, is in great contrast with the reports being given by the Dickson Police Department.  

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Contact  David Lohr at           crimewriter74@hughes.net