Juan Laureles Cold Case: Texas Rangers Seek New Tips 30 Years Later
Nearly 30 years after Juan Leon Laureles was found shot to death beside his burning car, Texas investigators are making a renewed push for answers.
The Texas Department of Public Safety announced that authorities are seeking new information in the Juan Laureles cold case. Laureles, 30, died in Brown County in May 1996.
Now, investigators hope someone who knows what happened will finally come forward.
Juan Laureles Found Beside Burning Car
On May 10, 1996, Brown County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a vehicle fire at about 12:30 a.m.
The fire occurred along FM 2126 near the railroad crossing and the access road to the Brownwood Rifle and Pistol Range.
When deputies arrived, they found Laureles dead next to his burning 1988 Ford Thunderbird.
Investigators determined that someone had shot Laureles in the back of the head. Someone also set his vehicle on fire.
Stolen Credit Card Used After Murder
Investigators discovered another important clue.
Someone stole Laureles’ credit card and used it at a Bealls Department Store in the area later that same day.
Authorities still want information about those transactions.
In addition, investigators want to hear from anyone who remembers seeing Laureles’ Ford Thunderbird or other vehicles near the murder scene that night.
Texas Rangers Continue Investigating Juan Laureles Cold Case
Investigators have followed numerous leads during the past three decades. However, they have not made an arrest.
The Brown County Sheriff’s Office and Texas Rangers continue to actively investigate the murder.
Authorities believe people in the community may still have information that could help solve the case.
Even a detail that seemed insignificant in 1996 could potentially give investigators a new lead today.
Reward Increased to $6,000
Texas Crime Stoppers has increased the reward to up to $6,000 for information that leads to an arrest in the case.
However, the increased reward remains available only until DPS announces its next featured Texas Rangers cold case.
Anyone seeking the cash reward must submit the information through Texas Crime Stoppers.
Tipsters can call 1-800-252-TIPS (tel:1-800-252-TIPS) (8477) or submit information through the official Texas Crime Stoppers tip system.
Nearly 30 Years Without Answers
Three decades have passed since someone killed Juan Laureles.
Yet murder has no statute of limitations in Texas, and investigators have not closed the case.
The Texas Rangers continue reviewing unsolved homicides in hopes that new information, witnesses or investigative methods can provide the break detectives need.
For Laureles’ case, that break could come from someone who remembers what happened on May 10, 1996.
Anyone with information should contact Texas Crime Stoppers.
Source: Texas Department of Public Safety
The official DPS release is here: Texas DPS — Juan Laureles Cold Case. DPS confirms the $6,000 enhanced reward applies if an eligible tip comes in before the next featured Texas Rangers cold case is announced.
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