Search warrants sealed in investigation

PORTALES — Search warrants were in progress but sealed in the ongoing investigation of human remains found last week in the trunk of a burnt vehicle in Portales, officials said.

"They did a search warrant initially on the vehicle," District Attorney Andrea Reeb told The News on Saturday. "I think everything's been sealed to protect this investigation."

The 9th Judicial District's Major Crimes Unit was activated Wednesday afternoon after law officers in Roosevelt County discovered human remains in the trunk of a burnt vehicle, Reeb told The News on Thursday. She referred additional questions to Sheriff Malin Parker and Chief Deputy District Attorney Brian Stover.

"This is being investigated as suspicious," Parker told The News on Thursday. "And we will not release anything further as the investigation is ongoing."

Reeb said she was not aware of any charges or arrests connected to the investigation as of Saturday afternoon.

Stover told The News on Saturday that search warrants were being filed on vehicles, residences and individuals but declined to provide any additional detail on the investigation.

"The timing of the discovery of the vehicle is a critical piece of the investigation at this point, and so as we're eliminating suspects and talking to suspects, I can't divulge more," Stover said.