MUS-2026-0505
Archive card
MUS-2026-0505
Homicide
- Incident
- 1996
- Indexed
- Oct 27, 2026, by MuseUnsolved
- Agency
- Brown County Sheriff's Office
- Location
- Brownwood TX
Public record. Index entry.
Index entry. Case details compiled from public reporting; our researchers have not verified this file yet.
Summary
What happened, as the record shows.
Juan Leon Laureles, 30, left his home late on May 9, 1996, for his midnight shift in Brownwood, Texas, and never arrived. At about 12:30 a.m. on May 10, deputies responding to a vehicle fire on FM Road 2126 found his body beside his burning 1988 Ford Thunderbird; he had been shot in the back of the head. His stolen credit card was used at a Bealls department store later that day. In August 2026 the Texas Department of Public Safety featured the case in its Ranger cold-case program, increased the reward, and stated no arrests have ever been made.
Timeline
What the record establishes.
- 1996
Late on May 9, 1996, Laureles leaves for his midnight shift.
- 1996
On May 10, 1996, at about 12:30 a.m., deputies find his body by his burning Thunderbird on FM Road 2126.
- 1996
On May 10, 1996, his stolen credit card is used at a Bealls store.
- 2026
In August 2026, Texas DPS features the case and raises the reward.
Key people
The people in the file.
30, of the Brownwood area. Found dead on May 10, 1996.
Contact details change over time; confirm the current assignee before publishing.
Investigating agency
Where tips go.
This case is with the Brown County Sheriff's Office. If you know something, say something to them. For public-record leads for our researchers, use the tip line on any open file.
Coverage
Coverage and further reading.
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