BELEN, NM — The remains of a missing China Spring veteran were found near a ditch on SH 304 near Alburquerque on Friday.
Matthew Gurule went missing after calling his mother prior to leaving the Ysleta Casino in Belen, New Mexico, on July 27.
The next morning, Gurule's Honda Accord was found "torched" on the side of the road in Valencia County.
Sandra Miller, Gurule's mother, said as soon as Gurule's newly paid-off car was found torched, she knew something was not right. She immediately boarded a plane for Albuquerque.
The Gurule family and former military comrades of Gurule searched the area where his phone last pinged, said Miller.
It was within that area that Gurule's body was found Friday.
According to KOAT, an ABC affiliate in Albuquerque, the Valencia County Sheriff's Office has issued an arrest warrant in connection to Gurule's death for a Francisco Gomez.
Central Texas News Now spoke with Miller after officials confirmed that the body found was her son.
"I would like to thank all of Central Texas for their thoughts and prayers as we searched for my son. Matthew was a decorated combat Marine who proudly fought for our country. He served from 2006 - 2010 and was in the process of a new trade that was in the construction field. He believed he had found his nitch. We are fortunate to have found him because in some cases the families never find their loved ones or it takes months or even years to find them and I pray with all my heart for those families," said Miller.
Gurule's service will be held in New Mexico, and a memorial will be held in Central Texas. Specific dates and times have not been scheduled.
