Family of Jones County murder victim seeking answers one year later
JONES, County (KTAB/KRBC) – On the eve of New Year’s Day in 2023, the Jones County Sheriff’s Department was called to County Road 310 along Deadman’s Creek with reports of a body being found. That body was identified as Chris Zarate of Abilene. Jones County Sheriff Danny Jimenez said he found Zarate in the creek riddled with numerous bullet wounds.
Man found deceased by Jones County roadway, possible homicide
“Do you know how long he had been out there before he was discovered?” KTAB/KRBC asked Sheriff Jimenez.
“Several hours, There was obvious signs there on the scene that foul play had occurred… Evidence indicates that it happened right there on the scene,” Jimenez responded.
Just a few miles away, Zarate’s friends and family had gathered to ring in the new year together. That celebration was brought to a halt when the news arrived.
“The whole day stopped. It went from BBQ and smiles to tears and wanting to be alone… It was heartbreaking. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to go through in my life,” said Zarate’s younger sister, Meagan Zarate.
A year has passed since this discovery, and little has been released from the investigation, which now includes Taylor County and the Texas Rangers. However, Jimenez said the trail hasn’t gone cold just yet.
“It’s frustrating not being able to answer their questions, but… We do have a suspect in the case. They’ve been through ongoing problems with the family,” Jimenez said.
A few days after the murder, Meagan Zarate was driving her brother’s car when she said someone shot at her. Court documents reveal that a bullet hole was found in her car, as well as the car of Juan Rodriguez. Rodriguez was arrested by Abilene police in December 2023 and charged with that shooting and a number of other crimes. Other court documents named him as a suspect in Zarate’s murder, but law enforcement has yet to make an arrest in the ongoing investigation.
While no motive has been released in the murder case, Meagan and her siblings have said that Zarate had a bit of a checkered history, a factor Jimenez said they are not ruling out in their investigation.
“We all have a past, but nobody deserves to die that way,” Meagan said.
“Do y’all know anything about his former dealings that may be playing into this?” KTAB/KRBC questioned Sheriff Jimenez.
“It’s a possibility, yes,” Jimenez responded.
Jimenez said the counties and Texas Rangers will meet in a week’s time to discuss the findings of the investigation so far. This comes as a glimmer of hope to Meagan and the rest of Zarate’s family. Meagan shared that they are desperate for answers and justice. Feeling that they have little left to keep the hope alive.
“Now it’s just memories. Memories that break the heart all over again,” said Meagan.
Anyone with information about what happened to Chris Zarate is asked to contact the Jones County Sheriff’s Office at (325) 823-4605, Texas Ranger’s Office at (325) 795-4000, or Abilene Police Department Crime Stoppers at (325) 676-8477.
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