Family mourning Lubbock man found dead after going missing; GoFundMe set up

LUBBOCK, Texas — A GoFundMe was set up to help the family of Elmo Minjarez, Jr., 54, after he was connected to remains that were found south of Lubbock following his disappearance.

The Minjarez family said they were already mourning a loss in the family when they heard about Elmo’s passing. The family is devastated, but said they are now trying to focus on remembering Elmo.

Alvino Minjarez said his brother may have called the streets home, but that didn’t mean he loved any less.

“He was a good person, “Alvino said. “He was humble to everyone.”

Related coverage:

• Missing person last seen in Lubbock in August, LPD investigating
• Authorities investigating human remains found south of Lubbock
• Human remains tied to missing person; Man accused of Murder

Alvino explained that since his brother lived on the streets, it could be difficult to get in contact with him. But Alvino said he didn’t know the last phone call with his brother would be the last time they spoke to each other.

“He calls me every year on my birthday,” Alvino said. Alvino’s birthday was on Monday, and his brother did not call. That’s when he knew something was wrong.

Police opened a missing person case for Elmo on September 16. According to LPD, Elmo was last seen in the 1800 block of East Colgate Street on August 16.

On Tuesday, police confirmed the human remains found south of Lubbock were identified as Elmo Minjarez. Armando Champion, 57, was arrested on September 23 with the help of the Lubbock Texas Anti-Gang Center. He was charged with Murder and taken to the Lubbock County Detention Center. His bond was set at $200,000.

Alvino was grateful for the work of detectives. He said without the help of investigators, their family “wouldn’t have known Elmo was out there.”

Alvino also had a message for Champion.

“He took my brother’s life, and it’s not eye for an eye,” Alvino said. “You did wrong. and I’m glad you turned yourself in.”

If you’d like to donate to the GoFundMe, click here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLBK | KAMC | EverythingLubbock.com.