UPDATE:
On Tuesday, March 12th, 2024 at 2:41 p.m., the Desha County Sheriff’s Office received a call regarding a body that was discovered in a field, just outside Dumas City Limits, off U.S. Highway 165 in a field. The body was discovered by employees of an irrigation company that was working in the field.
Upon arrival Deputies secured the scene, while the Desha County Criminal Investigators began their investigation. The body was found in a state of decomposition, with no identification. The body was sent to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for cause of death and identification.
Through various interviews conducted, Investigators learned that an 18-year-old Hispanic male from Dumas had been missing for numerous weeks.
The Crime Lab notified us this past weekend that the remains were positively identified through dental records, to be that of 18-year-old Diego Vallejo of Dumas.
Vallejo’s family was notified by Investigators Tuesday morning.
Evidence gathered at the scene suggest Vallejo died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. A suicide note was also provided to Investigators that Vallejo allegedly left with his younger brother.
Once the investigation is completed by Investigators the file will be turned over to the Desha County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for their review.
ORIGINAL STORY:
A body was located in a field near Highway 165 just outside of Dumas on Tuesday according to a press release from the Desha County Sheriff’s Office.
The body was discovered by an irrigation company employee at 2:41 p.m. according to the release.
Once Deputies arrived at the scene they found a decomposed body of what appeared to be a Caucasian or Hispanic male.
The scene was secured while the Desha County Criminal Investigation Division began to canvas the scene.
No identification was found on the body. The subject will be transported to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory, while Investigators work on identifying anyone who may have been reported as missing in the area.
Once identification is made and the family is notified, additional details will be released.
