Hiker found dead in National Park
BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK — On Monday, park officials responded to reports of an abandoned vehicle at the parking lot for the Marufo Vega Trailhead with an aerial search and rescue. The missing hiker — an unidentified 24-year-old man — was found deceased along the trail, and his body was airlifted by helicopter by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Marufo Vega is a strenuous 14-mile loop trail that can be especially fatal in the heat. Last June, a father and son tragically passed away attempting to hike the trail in 119 degree heat. This fall, high temperatures stretching late into the season have park officials reminding folks to practice heat safety.
“Big Bend National Park staff and partners are saddened by this loss,” Deputy Superintendent Rick Gupman wrote in a press release. “Our entire park family extends condolences to the hiker’s family and friends.”
Bear spotted along river corridor in Big Bend Ranch State Park
BIG BEND RANCH STATE PARK — Over the past week, reports of a bear along FM 170 in Big Bend Ranch State Park’s popular river corridor have been called into rangers. While the bear population has been historically concentrated in the Chisos Mountains, bear sightings in Terlingua and other lower-elevation areas are becoming increasingly common.
Park officials are asking the public to remain “bear aware”: keep track of your surroundings while hiking, and make sure kids and dogs stay close. At camp, dispose of food properly and take advantage of the park’s bear safe storage containers.
If you see a bear, please report the sighting to rangers at Barton Warnock, 432-424-3327, or Fort Leaton State Historic Site, 432-229-3613.
Alpine police arrest man for family violence, unauthorized use of vehicle
ALPINE — Alpine police arrested Justin Lara Vega, 37 of Alpine this week for continuous family violence (a third-degree felony) and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.
According to a news release posted on Facebook by Captain Felipe Fierro: “Alpine Police Department received a report of a disturbance at the 900 block of East Gallego Avenue. Upon arrival, it was determined that an assault had taken place and the suspect had left the residence and took the victim’s vehicle without consent.”
Officers then secured an arrest warrant for Lara and took him into custody on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at approximately 6:19 p.m. at a residence at the 1300 Block of East Gallego. Lara was taken into custody on the two warrants without incident and additional charges are pending, according to the post.
Justin Lara is the brother of Ismael Javier “I.J.” Vega, 23, of Alpine, who died of a fentanyl overdose on February 15. Authorities in Sierra Blanca then arrested Vega’s other brother, Willie “Sapo” Lara III, and two others on March 4 for possession of narcotics (including fentanyl) with intent to distribute. Those three were sentenced last week to federal prison.
After his brother’s arrest, a gunman opened fire on Lara on April 16 at the 1100 block of North 9th Street. The alleged shooter, Juan Jose Tafoya, 30, of Alpine, turned himself in three days later and was taken to the Brewster County Jail on charges of aggravated assault. About a week later, on Wednesday, April 24, officers arrested Lara on charges of indecency with a child with sexual contact.
It’s unclear where the earlier charges stand for Lara and Tafoya. No court records could be found on the cases, the District Attorney’s Office did not respond to calls, and indictments from a September 17 Brewster County Grand Jury have still not been made public by District Judge Roy Ferguson.