HCSO investigating kidnapping, body found in burning vehicle

Editors note: This article has been updated with details about the kidnapping victim.

EDINBURG, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A homicide is under investigation in Hidalgo County.

The Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office Investigators have identified the victim of the kidnapping to be Teodoro Martinez, 37. At this time, investigators believe that Martinez was the victim found inside the burning vehicle. The Sheriff’s Office continues to encourage witnesses to come forward with any information regarding the case.

Around 12:30 a.m. on Friday, the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of Mile 22 1/2 and Sunflower Road in rural Edinburg in response to the kidnapping of a man.

According to a Sheriff’s Office Facebook post, while on the scene, deputies received a call of an SUV on fire west of Val Verde Road on Mile 22 1/2 Road.

Authorities responded to the fire and saw a body burning inside the vehicle.

This is an active investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office at 956-383-8114.

Anonymous callers can use the Hidalgo County Crime Stoppers Hotline at 956-668-TIPS (8477). Also, tips can be submitted through the smartphone application “P3 TIPS”.