What began as a missing person search on Padre Island has turned into a death investigation, after Corpus Christi police said Friday that a body found on the beach has been identified as 40-year-old Angelita Martinez. Family members had reported her missing after she was last seen walking on the island. Authorities said she was reported missing after being spotted near Windward Drive on May 1. Her remains were located May 6 at Padre Island National Seashore in Kleberg County, and the Texas Rangers are now leading the probe with help from Corpus Christi detectives.
What Police And Family Reported
The Corpus Christi Police Department had put out a call to the community for help finding Martinez, saying she was last seen Friday, May 1 near Windward Drive. At the time, officials said she was wearing a gray top and dark sweatpants and carrying a Nike Galaxy backpack. Blotter entries also noted that she has pink curly hair and a nose ring and was described as about 5-foot-1. The department urged anyone with information to contact investigators, according to the Corpus Christi Police Department Blotter.
Investigation Underway
The Texas Rangers are handling the investigation into Martinez’s death, with Corpus Christi officers assisting, although officials have released few details about the circumstances surrounding how she was found. Martinez’s daughter told local television that her mother was from Austin and that, at this time, no foul play is suspected. The confirmation of her identity and the current status of the investigation were reported by MySA.
How To Help
Authorities are still asking anyone with information related to Martinez’s death to contact the Corpus Christi Police Department at 361-886-2600 or call 911. Officials have not said whether the Kleberg County medical examiner will release an official cause of death, and that determination typically follows work by the Texas Rangers. Police say they will share further updates when they are available, according to the Corpus Christi Police Department Blotter.
Padre Island Context
Padre Island National Seashore stretches across miles of remote Gulf shoreline, patrolled by National Park Service law enforcement and volunteer turtle-patrol teams that are used to responding to strandings and other incidents along the sand. The seashore’s isolation and strong coastal currents can make recoveries and investigations along the shore especially challenging. The National Park Service provides background on the seashore’s patrol and conservation work, including its sea turtle efforts, according to the National Park Service.
