A report of a missing person in north Texas has tragically escalated into a murder investigation following the discovery of the victim’s body in a shallow grave located in Denton County.

The Fort Worth police received the missing person report on December 2. From the onset, detectives had suspicions of foul play, as reported by KTVT.

The body was found on Monday in a forested area. Investigators revealed that the victim had departed from a gathering on November 30 with 23-year-old Alexander James Nicholas. Nicholas had initially informed the police that he dropped off the victim at a certain location, claiming they were still alive at that time.

However, evidence uncovered by detectives contradicted Nicholas’s account, leading to his arrest.

The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office is tasked with officially identifying the victim and determining the cause and manner of death. Police have indicated that additional arrests could be made as the investigation continues.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Fort Worth Police Department homicide detectives at 817-392-4338.