UPDATE:

We are learning more about the suspects arrested and charged in connection with the death of Fred Hardy McNeal.

A probable cause affidavit states the suspects conspired to kidnap McNeal before assaulting him.

Officials say the investigation began on September 1 when a missing persons report was filed with the Ector County Sheriff’s Office.

From there, deputies began interviews and were able to determine that several suspects had been involved in the disappearance of McNeal, the affidavit reads.

Deputies were then reportedly able to identify the suspects as; Mikel Stegall Jr., Wesley Dickenson; David Dearick; Eddie Barnes; Jennifer Rogers; Michael Silvas; and Jose Ramirez.

Following more interviews, deputies also learned that the suspects conspired together and kidnaped McNeal on about Aug. 14, 2017 and took him to a travel trailer in the 1800 block of S. Shawnee Trail, according to the affidavit.

At the trailer, investigators say McNeal was bound, assaulted and sexually assaulted. McNeal reportedly died during the kidnapping and assault.

The suspects are then accused of covering McNeal’s body with tape, a tarp and plastic before taking his body to a different location and burring him, according to the affidavit.

Deputies then received a tip which led them to the shallow grave McNeal was found in, prior reports indicate.

The ECOS, U.S. Marshal’s and DPS then began tracking down the suspects, which resulted in the seven arrests. 

Furthermore, Sheriff Mike Griffis says Silvas was already being held on a capital murder charge in a seperate incident.

As you may recall, Silvas was arrested by the Odessa Police Department back in February.

Silvas has been accused of shooting and killing Ryan Stebbins during an apparent car jacking, prior reports indicate.

He was arrested by the U.S. Marshals in Crane on Feb. 3, according to a separate affidavit.

While all seven suspects have been charged with capital murder, investigators say they are still trying to determine the cause of death in the case.

******

Seven people have been charged in connection with the death of a transient man that was reported missing back in September. 

Officials say they have arrested the following suspects in connection with the case: 

• Wesley P. Dickenson
• Jose A. Ramirez
• Jennifer N. Rogers
• Michael T. Silvas
• Mikel G. Stegall
• Eddie Barnes
• David R. Dearick

Officials with the Ector County Sheriff’s Office say all seven suspects have been charged with capital murder. 

The investigation began back in September 2017 when Fred Hardy McNeal was reported missing by his sister, according to the ECSO. 

After various tips, investigators located McNeal’s body in a shallow grave on Sheep Pasture Road and FM 181. 

The ECOS, U.S. Marshal’s and DPS then began tracking down the suspect which resulted in the seven arrests. 

However, officials with the ECSO say they are still investigating the cause of death.