Brooks County Sheriff: Body in Mexican Mafia murder case may be buried in McAllen attorney’s yard

Investigators dug up part of McAllen attorney Al Alvarez’s yard on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, as they searched for a body apparently buried on the property. (Photo by Dave Hendricks / The Progress Times.)

Investigators dug up a prominent McAllen attorney’s yard Wednesday after an informant claimed a body was buried on the property.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office searched the nearly 5-acre property, which is owned by attorney Al Alvarez, with assistance from the Brooks County Sheriff’s Office, the Starr County Sheriff’s Office and the Cameron County Fire Marshal Service.

Investigators set up a tent behind Alvarez’s house and brought in a small excavator Wednesday morning. They also launched a small drone, which briefly hovered nearby.

Brooks County Sheriff Urbino “Benny” Martinez said an informant told investigators a body was buried on the property.

“They’re currently digging,” Martinez said. “They’re trying to see if they can find the body.”

Investigators searched a property owned by McAllen attorney Al Alvarez on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. (Photo by Dave Hendricks / The Progress Times.)

Martinez said the informant told investigators about a murder that occurred in 2002 and involved the Mexican Mafia. According to the informant, the body was buried on property near the intersection of Ware Road and 6 Mile Road in McAllen.

Alvarez, who purchased the property in 2009, said the State Fire Marshal’s Office contacted him about a month ago.

They were investigating “some arson case” from 20 years ago, Alvarez said, and wanted access to his property.

“It doesn’t involve me,” Alvarez said.

Investigators searched a property owned by McAllen attorney Al Alvarez on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. (Photo by Dave Hendricks / The Progress Times.)

Alvarez purchased the property in February 2009, roughly seven years after the murder, according to documents filed with the Hidalgo County Clerk’s Office.

The previous owner, Juan Daniel Favela Vasquez, died in April 2005 after being shot in Monterrey, Mexico, according to documents filed in Hidalgo County probate court.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office couldn’t immediately be reached for comment Wednesday.