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The Arellano family consisted of Juan age 29, Monica age 24, Rosa age 21, Eduardo age 1, Leticia age 2, and Manuel Jr. 5. The family was traveling to San Angelo, Texas to meet with other family members on April 16th, 1968.

Texas Rangers Cold Case Investigators say that the Arellano family's car broke down with a flat tire and they were stranded in a rural area of Edwards County. At some point during the breakdown, the family was savagely murdered by the side of the road just south of Sonora, Texas.

Police at the time found the Arellano family's bodies just off Highway US-277. The family had been shot, stabbed, and severely beaten. Police also discovered that Rosa had been sexually assaulted. At the time the bodies were discovered there were only two survivors, 2-year-old Leticia, and 5-year-old Manual Jr.

According to the Texas Rangers Cold Case Investigastors they state that, "this case remains one of the most heinous, unsolved, mass murders in Texas, and as of this time, no photos of the family are available." As police described it "the victims were traveling in a white over-blue, 1958 Buick,"(as seen in the photograph below.)

Source: Texas Rangers Cold Case Investigations

Texas DPS / Texas Rangers Cold Case File
Texas DPS / Texas Rangers Cold Case File
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Leticia died at the hospital within 48 hours. The lone survivor of this heinous crime is Manuel Arellano Jr. It's been decades since the murder, and dozens of leads have been meticulously followed without one shred of success. There are several law enforcement agencies that have investigated and would love to bring answers to the family and bring closure to this case.

While almost all the investigators that have worked on this case over the years have since retired from law enforcement. The fact still remains that even in retirement they still want to solve this one. Interestingly enough, the person or persons that committed this crime may have already passed away by now. As I always say, if you know something, say something.

The Texas Rangers are seeking the public’s assistance to help solve this case. Furthermore, Texas Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $3,000 to any person who provides any information that leads to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for this horrific crime.

To be eligible for the reward, you MUST call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477). All tips are anonymous. Tipsters will be provided a tip number instead of using a name. Your information will be forwarded to the Texas Ranger assigned to this case.

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