The Bexar County Sheriff's Office arrested Joey Emiliano Tovar-Vargas, 24, over the weekend in the cold case of Meagan Gonzales, according to the sheriff's office and the family. Gonzales was 20 when she disappeared. Her body was later found burned and wrapped in a blanket in far Southwest Bexar County, the family said.
Sheriff Javier Salazar said at a news conference Saturday that Tovar-Vargas was a suspect early in the investigation but there was little evidence linking him to the case for some time. Salazar said digital evidence helped fill in gaps. He said there is not enough evidence yet to charge Tovar-Vargas in Gonzales's death. "What we can prove at this point is that he disposed of her body," Salazar said. Tovar-Vargas is charged with tampering with evidence. He also faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and a parole violation.
Gonzales's father, Eddie, said he had never met Tovar-Vargas but knew his name for years. He said Tovar-Vargas was seen driving Gonzales's car days after she was reported missing. Eddie said the family hopes for a confession. Salazar said that as of now, authorities do not believe there are any other suspects.
Ken Tisdel, president and CEO of LCG Discovery, a digital forensics company based outside Houston, said digital data is an investigative tool. He said it may not provide direct proof but can point investigators toward other areas to examine.