We’re stuck in that weird time between Christmas and January, when it feels like December 47th. Let’s take your mind off holiday stress and feeling groggy at work with true crime. A Texas man attempted to cover up a murder by burning a body in a pickup truck. 

Texas man burns body in truck on Christmas 

Police officers and firefighters responded to reports of a vehicle fire in Harris County, Texas, on Christmas morning. The incident occurred in the 10000 block of Fellows Road near Del Papa Street around 4:10 AM. 

Upon putting the flames out, they discovered a body in the backseat of the truck. However, fire wasn’t the cause of his death. The victim, identified as 25-year-old Janu Franciso Benitez, was shot in the head and the chest. 

According to ABC 13, the suspect, identified as 44-year-old Enesto Bustamante, allegedly shot the man twice. Then he took the victim’s truck with the body inside and dumped it in a wooded area. He fled the scene after setting the pickup on fire. 

Authorities found the truck just down the street from where Bustamante lives. Sheriff Ed Gonzales shared that Bustamante was at the victim’s residence when an argument broke out. This is what led to the shooting. 

Police officers quickly arrested and charged Bustamante with felony murder and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence. To make matters worse for Bustamante, he isn’t a United States citizen. He could be subject to deportation by immigration officials. 

There is an ongoing investigation into the incident. Those with related information are encouraged to call the Harris County Sheriff’s Office at 713-2210600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-333-8477.