Suspect Alexander James Nicholas | Image by Fort Worth Police Department/CBS News Texas
Police have arrested a 23-year-old man on a murder charge after the body of a missing person was discovered in a shallow grave in Denton County, capping a search that started when the victim vanished after a party on November 30.
The grim find occurred on Monday in a wooded area of north Fort Worth, just days before Christmas, with investigators noting signs of foul play at the scene.
Authorities received the missing persons report on December 2, prompting suspicions of foul play that led homicide detectives to take over. The victim was last seen leaving a party with suspect Alexander James Nicholas, who told police he had dropped the person off alive at another location.
Detectives uncovered evidence contradicting Nicholas’ account, resulting in his arrest. Police said the pair shared a common acquaintance.
The investigation remains active, with potential for additional arrests. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office will establish the official cause and manner of death and confirm the victim’s identity, which has not been released.
Anyone with details is urged to contact Fort Worth Police Department homicide detectives at 817-392-4338.