A Missing Mother's Car Was Found Burned. Now Her Remains Have Been ID'd, and Boyfriend Is Behind Bars

Authorities in Texas have identified a body that was recovered in Corpus Christi earlier in June.

The remains belonged to Tanya Garza, who was reported missing on June 10 by her family, Nueces County Medical Examiner's Office has determined, according to the Corpus Christi Caller-Times, 3 News and KRIS 6 News. 

Garza, 27, was last seen with her boyfriend, 28-year-old Matthew Davila, on June 7, the Corpus Christi Police Department said in a statement on June 13. She was a mother of three, per KRIS 6.

On June 7, Davila was driving Garza’s car, but when police tried to stop him for a routine traffic check, he allegedly fled the scene, per the CCPD statement. It wasn’t immediately clear if Garza was in the car with him at the time. 

Authorities say they soon located the car, which had been burned, prompting a drone search in the area. 

Meanwhile, on June 10, Garza’s family reported her missing, per the Corpus Christi Caller-Times and KRIS 6 News. 

Davila was located and detained for questioning a few days later, per police. He allegedly led police to the spot where the vehicle had been located “to search and possibly retrace steps,” CCPD said in their statement. 

Police confirmed to KRIS 6 that officers interviewed Davila in connection with Garza’s disappearance. 

He was later arrested on an outstanding arrest warrant on allegations of evading police, per CCPD. He has not been charged in connection with Garza's disappearance.

On June 15, police located a body “matching that of recent missing person Tanya Garza” during a search, CCPD said in a follow-up statement. 

“The body was located in a gated area surround[ed] by thick heavy brush,” the statement said. 

The Nueces County Medical Examiner's Office later confirmed the body to be that of Garza, the Corpus Christi Caller-Times, 3 News and KRIS 6 News reported. 

The case is being investigated under the department’s homicide division, per the Corpus Christi Caller-Times. 

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In a GoFundMe set up to help her family with her burial. Garza is being remembered as “a true family person.” 

“She was a loving and caring person who never would leave anyone out,” read a part of the fundraiser. “She was one you could always call on.”