Cameron County, TX — More than 25 years after 16-year-old Denise Villarreal was found dead in Cameron County, her case remains unsolved and Texas authorities continue seeking information that could lead to those responsible.
According to the Texas Rangers cold case listing, the Cameron County Sheriff’s Office received a call at approximately 2:45 p.m. on July 14, 2001, after a deceased person was found about one-half mile east of the Shrimp Basin off State Highway 48.
The victim was later identified as Villarreal, who was 16 years old and listed as a runaway at the time of her death.
The case remains classified as an unsolved homicide.
Reward Information:
Texas Crime Stoppers is currently offering a reward of up to $3,000 for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible.
Tips submitted through Texas Crime Stoppers are anonymous and must be submitted through an eligible Crime Stoppers method to qualify for the reward.
Texas Crime Stoppers:
1-800-252-TIPS (8477)
P3tips.com
Information may also be provided directly to the Texas Rangers DPS Missing Persons Hotline:
1-800-346-3243
Tips submitted directly through the Texas Rangers hotline are not guaranteed to remain anonymous and are not eligible for the Crime Stoppers reward.