Justice for Mark Anthony Ysasaga

ation available at the time, it was initially investigated as a missing person case and our investigators conducted an active, thorough, and on-going investigation into his disappearance. In addition, the citizens and community of Lubbock have rallied around Mark’s family and have assisted with publicity, social media, and numerous physical searches in an effort to bring Mark home. Unfortunately, our investigation and extensive efforts have yet to locate him. As is common in missing person cases like this, earlier this year, our homicide investigators gave this case a fresh look to try and develop any new leads. The entire case was revisited, involved persons were re-interviewed, and evidence was re-evaluated. Based on the thorough investigation that had already been done, combined with the new work done by our homicide investigators, new evidence was discovered. This new evidence led us to a local residence, 3106 27th Street, where a suspected crime scene and blood DNA evidence was found. The blood evidence was in an amount and location that, when combined with statements and other corroborating evidence, led us to believe that we had indeed located the scene of a homicide. In addition, the DNA from that blood evidence has been positively identified as belonging to Mark Ysasaga. Thus, based on the totality of the investigation to date, we have established probable cause that Mark Ysasaga has been the victim of a homicide. Also, we have established probable cause and evidence that directly ties Jose Simental to Mark’s homicide and the crime scene. The arrest warrant for Jose Simental was filed this morning in Lubbock’s Third Precinct Justice of the Peace Court. Jose Simental is currently incarcerated in the Clemens Prison Unit in Brazoria County Texas on unrelated charges. Our investigators are serving Jose Simental with the arrest warrant in person this morning and will begin the process of extraditing him to Lubbock County as soon as possible. Points of emphasis:

First, this is still an ongoing and open investigation. The fact that an arrest is being made does not mean we are finished, in fact we still have a lot of work to do on this case, not the least of which is recovering Mark’s body for his family. Second, we know there are more persons that are involved in Mark Ysasaga’s homicide. We know who these persons are and we are actively investigating them. We are encouraging anyone with information on this case, especially where Mark’s body may be recovered, to call Crime Line at 741-1000. Tipsters can remain anonymous and there is currently a $10,000 reward for information that leads to Mark’s recovery. More information on Crime Line can be found at our website www.lubbockpolice.com . Third, it is our hope that this step in the investigation will begin a sense of closure and answers for Mark’s family. We have shared our findings with Mark’s parents, and it is now our duty at the Lubbock Police Department to continue to pursue justice on their behalf. In addition, we also thank the many citizens of Lubbock that have stepped up to assist in this case and have provided support for Mark’s family. You all have been heavily involved and followed this case from the beginning, and on your behalf as well, we will continue to seek justice for Mark. While there is still much work to do, we would like to thank District Attorney Matt Powell, Prosecutors Sunshine Stanek and Wade Jackson, and their team of prosecutors and staff at the Lubbock County District Attorney’s offices for their help in getting the investigation to this point. We look forward to our continued work on this case with them to ensure justice is done on behalf of Mark Ysasaga and his family. We urge anyone with information to call Crime Line at 741-1000. Callers can remain anonymous. Fifteen year old Lubbock teen Mark Ysasaga has not been seen since June 14th, and concern for the teen’s safety is growing stronger each day. Mark Ysasaga packed a bag and headed to the home of a 17-year-old friend on the evening of Wednesday, June 13th. On Thursday, the 14th, Mark was nowhere to be found. His mother, Anna Maria Ysasaga-Cuevas tells MPN her son is not the type of kid who would just disappear or run away. “My kids have freedom, because I want them to be able to do the things they want to do,” Ysasaga-Cuevas said. “So it doesn’t make sense why he would run away when he has the freedom to enjoy life already. My son was a loving and caring son and loved to be with all his friends. And not one friend has heard anything from him at all.”

Mark’s mother told us her son spent the night at a friend’s house, and that no one has seen him since. Without assigning blame or suspicion, she has noted the friend has been “unusually quiet” since her son’s disappearance. Although the investigation into Mark’s case initially stalled, the perserverance of his family has brought more attention to his disappearance in the last few days. “The Lubbock Police Department told me he probably ran away,” Ysasaga-Cuevas said. “He is a minor, he is out there somewhere, and he is my son. I’m not going to keep quiet while nothing is done.”

“His father found the back of the bed of his truck that night around midnight, and he had put it on the front porch thinking he was coming back for it,” Ysasaga-Cueves told MPN. Rumors are rampant in this case, as several teenagers from the area claim to have knowledge of Mark’s whereabouts. One possible disturbing new piece of information came to light Wednesday evening, at a vigil for Mark. However, Detectives from the Lubbock Police Department have not responded to MPN’s calls on this new information, which may not be meant for public disclosure. Mark Ysasaga is 15 years’ old, 5’7″, 145 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen in the area of 27th Street in Lubbock, Texas. If you have any information regarding Mark Ysasaga’s whereabouts, please call (806) 300-1534, or the Lubbock Police Department at(806) 775-2865.