Nordheim Human Remains Identified

Human remains discovered in 2021 just outside of Nordheim have been positively identified by Texas State University as Maria Bernada Chavez de Vargas, 48, of San Salvador.

As a result of DNA testing and physical examination of the remains, the forensic anthropology center at Texas State University reported on March 24, 2024 that the human remains were those of Chavez de Vargas. The report also expressed no signs of foul play on the remains. She reportedly last spoke to her family on September 11, 2017, advising that she was in Texas and expected to be in Houston within the next three to five days. When they did not hear from her, the family reported her as a missing person in their home country.

It is suspected de Vargas was in the process of being smuggled from San Salvador to Houston when she lost her life. Her remains were recovered in February of 2021 from an area around Cabeza and John Pokluda road. The DeWitt County Sheriff’s Office will continue to work with the Texas Rangers, Texas State University, De-Witt County Justice of the Peace Precinct 2, and the San Salvador government to ensure that the remains are returned back to her family.

“This is a sad closure for the family,” Sheriff Bowen said. “However I hope this brings closure for them and allows them to afford her a proper burial.”