Police say Melissa Chavez, 28, was repeatedly run over by a car. Her body was found by TC Jester Park in northwest Houston early Monday morning. Police are now searching for her significant other -- Jessie Blanco -- who has been charged with her murder.
In a busy neighborhood park like this, news of a violent crime like that comes as a shock.
The crime scene tape was up at TC Jester Park long before the sun rose Monday morning. Police responded to a call and found the mangled body of a woman in a parking lot.
"Based on the amount of blood out there, it's always possible she was struck more than once or dragged by the vehicle," said HPD Homicide Investigator Bart Nabors.
Investigators said Chavez was fighting with Blanco and that he struck her numerous times with his vehicle before fleeing the scene.
By midday, the crime scene tape was down and the bloody tire tracks washed away. Park visitors were surprised to find out something so violent had happened there.
Park visitor Charles Randolph said, "Around that time I know people aren't really out here, but I'm real surprised at that."
One woman who lives near the park says she heard nothing in the night.
"It was after midnight before I went to bed and it was quiet," said neighbor Annette Risinger.
Police are looking for Blanco, 29, believed to be driving a white 2005 Pontiac Vibe with Texas license plate DS3-W850. Police say the vehicle may have front end damage.
Anyone with information is asked to call HPD Homicide at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
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