HEMPSTEAD, Texas — A man has been charged with tampering with a human corpse in the disappearance of a woman last seen leaving work in Hempstead.
Aldo Ramirez, 48, was arrested the day after Dulce Martinez, 38, was reported missing. On Monday, Ramirez had his bond raised to $30,000 by a judge.
Martinez was last seen on Oct. 1 leaving her workplace on FM 1488 in Hempstead while still in her uniform, according to Prairie View police.
Investigators have video of Martinez later walking into Ramirez’s apartment on North Line Drive near Little York, according to court records. The next day, video shows Ramirez opening the hatch of Martinez's car and placing a heavy object that resembled a rug inside, court records read.
The rug was the same size and shape consistent to a human body and was secured with silver duct tape, according to court records.
Investigators said they have video of Ramirez leaving her car outside a business on the intersection of Broadway and Brockton streets on Oct. 3. There was blood found outside of the car, according to investigators.
Martinez's family is scared to speak out because they fear Ramirez may come after them, but local activists speaking on their behalf said Ramirez stalked and harassed her.
“They are very overwhelmed but there is a glimpse of hope that she may be alive, said Cesar Espinosa with FIEL.
Dulce Martinez has 4 children all under 19 years old.
Court records revealed she and Ramirez had a tumultuous relationship for over a year and weren't exclusive. Martinez's family is concerned that Ramirez, who they said is from Mexico, might be in the United States illegally and could flee the country.