Denton police have obtained a murder warrant for the estranged husband of a missing mother of three, saying evidence indicates he killed her even though investigators have not found her.
Richard Pastor Perez, 49, and Marjulin Daiuru Briceño Arrieta, 42, remained missing as of Tuesday afternoon, the department announced in an October 13 release. FBI Dallas is assisting with the search.
Briceño Arrieta met Perez around 6:45 p.m. September 28 at his apartment in the 1900 block of North Ruddell Street, police said. Her family reported her missing after relatives could not reach either person. They feared for her safety because of his alleged history of abuse against her, according to the department.
SUV trail reaches New Mexico
Detectives found Briceño Arrieta’s vehicle abandoned near the apartment, while Perez’s white 2013 Ford Escape was missing, police said.
Investigators discovered that someone had swapped the SUV’s license plate. Flock license plate readers recorded the vehicle in Wichita Falls around 9 p.m. September 28, in Donley County shortly after 1 a.m. September 29 and westbound on Interstate 40 just west of Amarillo at 10:44 p.m. that night, according to police.
Albuquerque police later located the SUV. Hotel surveillance from September 30 showed a man matching Perez’s description exiting the vehicle before abandoning it in the parking lot. The footage showed no one else with him, police said.
Detectives obtained the murder warrant based on evidence collected during the investigation. The release did not detail that evidence.
Community helps her three children
Briceño Arrieta provided the sole income for her three children, who have no family nearby, according to a SupportNow fundraiser organized by Denisse Carrera.
The appeal seeks $10,000 for housing, utilities and other basic needs, citing concerns about keeping the children together. Community members have already provided food and toiletries, the fundraiser says.
Reward offered for information
Denton County Crime Stoppers is offering up to $2,000 for information leading to Perez’s arrest, according to police. Anyone with information about his whereabouts can submit an anonymous tip at 1-800-388-TIPS (8477) or through the Crime Stoppers website.
