Belton, Texas Police Respond To Two Incidents In Central Texas

UPDATE: 1/24/23, 4:40 PM: Belton Police have released the identity of a man whose body was retrieved from the Lampasas River on Thursday, January 19.

The deceased was identified as 30-year-old Eric Martinets of Taylor. Belton spokesperson Paul Romer reports that the man's next of kin have been notified, and that he identification was confirmed by the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences.

Belton Law Enforcement on Thursday were tasked with handling two separate calls on Thursday January 19th, 2023. Both of the calls to officers took place in the 5:00 hour of the evening.

First Call To Law Enforcement

According to a release from the city, officers received a call at approximately 5:08 PM regarding a crash at 210 E. 24th Avenue. After the crash occurred, the vehicles in question moved to the parking lot of Christ the King Catholic Church. Two vehicles were involved.

Following the arrival of law enforcement, one individual, a 60 year old man from Moody, collapsed and passed away according to the release. Belton Fire Department Medics and EMS carried out CPR efforts, but were unsuccessful in their attempt to resuscitate the unnamed individual.

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Second Call To Police

Later that hour, at 5:28 PM, Belton Police were alerted to an unnamed male in the Lampasas River. According to a release from the city, officers stated the man matched the description of a missing individual from Taylor, Texas.

The release also states that the body had inquiries that were consistent with a high fall. To help further determine the cause of the unnamed individual's death, the body was sent to the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences.

Morgan’s Point Resort Dive Team helped recover the unnamed individual's body, and traffic was stopped briefly to help assist investigations. The body itself was found by an unnamed fisherman.

As both of these stories are both developing, we will have more information as it becomes available.