Read more: Local, State, National, Laura Garza Search, Rio Grande Valley, Texas, Michael Mele, Crime, New York, Mcallen, Isela Villalobos, Nicholas Garza, Sex Offender, New York State Police Department, Laura Garza, Arrest
Family members of a McAllen woman who disappeared in New York more than 8 months ago are still searching for their loved one.
Michael Mele, who is suspected in the disappearance of McAllen native, Laura Garza, is in police custody.
Laura went missing in December of last year, after she was spotted leaving a New York night club with Mele.
We spoke to Laura’s aunt, Isela Villalobos, and brother, Nicholas Garza, and they told Action 4 News that after speaking to investigators, they feel more confident in the way the case is progressing.
“When I spoke to him in December, he said that this case can go on for a long time. And, we spoke again recently and he said it’s not going to take that long,” Isela Villalobos said.
Investigators from the New York State Police Department are considering prosecuting Mele, but not in connection with Laura’s disappearance.
Mele took the advice of his lawyers and turned himself in for not registering as a sex offender and violating his parole.
As for Laura’s case, investigators are still waiting for the DNA results before moving forward.
Villalobos added, “It has been a difficult 8 months and we are just taken by surprise by what he did. All we want are answers.”
Investigators have searched in and around Mele’s apartment, but have yet to find anything.
The family said that they are going to cling to faith and each other while the investigation continues.
