Body of missing Marine veteran found in a ditch in New Mexico

Authorities said a body found south of Belen, N.M., has been identified as a Marine veteran missing since July. Marine Corps Times reports a suspect in his murder case is in custody.

Reports show Valencia County, N.M., Sheriff’s officials said detectives located a body in a ditch Friday night.

On Saturday, the Office of the Medical Investigator positively identified the body as that of 32-year-old Matthew Gurule, who was last seen on July 27 at the Isleta Resort and Casino in Alburquerque, N.M.

According to the Marine Corps Times, officials won’t say what led them to the body or how Gurule died.

Police said 37-year-old Francisco Gomez of Los Lunas, N.M., was arrested on August 10 for allegedly using Gurule’s credit card.

Reports state Valencia County Sheriff said Gomez is now facing a charge of an open count of murder and multiple other felonies.