In Texas, two men, Bobby G. Tovar, Jr., 21, and Manuel Guzman-Escalante, 18, were arrested for allegedly killing their 17-year-old friend, Oscar Rangel, in 2020 over a $10 debt. Charged with one count of manslaughter each, Tovar and Guzman-Escalante face up to 20 years in a state correctional facility.
According to court records, Rangel went missing after being at a friend's house on December 30, 2020. His body was discovered hours later on the side of the road in Elmendorf. Rangel, found barefoot and minimally dressed, exhibited signs of having been outside during a near-freezing winter night.
Investigators suspect that Rangel was killed elsewhere and moved, noting visible abrasions on his face. A toxicology screen revealed the presence of Flualprazolam, a sedative/hypnotic depressant, in his system.
The tragic incident unfolded during a night of illegal drug consumption at a friend's house, where Tovar became enraged over a $10 debt owed by Rangel. Later in the night, Rangel, heavily intoxicated, was found sleeping on a couch.
In June, Tovar claimed to investigators that he and Guzman-Escalante spent the night in San Antonio and were unaware of Rangel's disappearance until the next day. However, Guzman-Escalante's subsequent interview revealed a different account. Guzman-Escalante confessed that Tovar, angered by the debt, physically assaulted Rangel, placing him in the bed of Tovar's truck.
Allegedly, Tovar drove Rangel to a parking lot, where he subjected him to further assault before dumping him on the side of the road. The cold night proved fatal for Rangel, who was discovered the following day.
Text messages between Guzman-Escalante and Tovar on January 6, 2021, were also uncovered during the investigation, suggesting an attempt to coordinate their stories.
Currently held in Bexar County Jail on $125,000 bond each, Guzman-Escalante is scheduled for court on December 19, and Tovar on December 22.
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