The family of Jack Williams, the Las Maravillas man who was reported missing on Sept. 6, said his body was found Tuesday, Sept. 26, near his home.
Jack Williams
Body found
John Williams, Jack’s older brother, told the News-Bulletin the body of the retired corrections officer was found in a field about 8/10 of a mile south of Las Maravillas in a field by a couple of motorcycle riders.
Belen Police Chief James Harris said in a statement while he believes the body is probably that of Williams, the Office of the Medical Investigator will make a positive identification.
“At this point, the cause and manner of death have not been determined, and we are awaiting official results.” Harris said.
The police chief said the autopsy was being conducted Wednesday morning, after News-Bulletin presstime.
“We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to the family of Mr. Williams and everyone who has worked tirelessly to help bring him home. Your dedication and support have not gone unnoticed.”
Williams’ family, friends, area law enforcement and numerous search and rescue organizations had been searching for the 53-year-old husband and father of two for nearly four weeks before finding him Tuesday.
Williams had been at the Moose Lodge in Rio Communities on Tuesday, Sept. 5, and left about 10:40 p.m. When he didn’t come home, his wife, Yvette, immediately started to call his friends and him, but couldn’t locate him.
The next day, he was reported missing and the search began. At about 7 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 6, friends and family called dispatch saying they found his 2006 Ford F-250 off Military Highway near the foothills of the Manzano Mountains.
Harris said the truck got stuck, and Williams left on foot, leaving behind his wallet and dead cell phone inside the vehicle.
The police chief said the distance from where his truck was found to where Williams’ body was located was about 6 miles.
The family expressed appreciation to the people who found him, and to the community for their continued support.
Clara Garcia is the editor and publisher of the Valencia County News-Bulletin.
She is a native of the city of Belen, beginning her journalism career at the News-Bulletin in 1998 as the crime and courts reporter. During her time at the paper, Clara has won numerous awards for her writing, photography and typography and design both from the National Newspaper Association and the New Mexico Press Association.
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April 25, 2024
