Body Found Near Interstate 40 Identified

The body found by mowing crews off of Interstate 40 October 8 has been positively identified as 27-year-old Sergio Sanchez of Fort Smith.

According to Webbers Falls Chief of Police Larry Ruiz, the Oklahoma Medical Examiner's office was able to identify Sanchez by matching fingerprints. The clothing on the body also matched the clothing that Sanchez was last seen wearing.

The official cause of death has not been determined although the Medical Examiner's office did confirm that Sanchez had a small caliber bullet wound to his upper chest area. Suicide is a possibility, according to authorities. The weapon involved has not been located at this time.

Sanchez, who works at a Fort Smith military facility, was reportedly traveling from Arkansas to Colorado with his wife. On Sept. 29th, after an alleged argument with his wife, Sanchez left the vehicle on foot in the Webbers Falls area.

Later the same day Sanchez made contact, by telephone, with a Muskogee County Deputy during which Sanchez indicated that he was considering harming himself. The Muskogee County Sheriff's Dept. along with the Webbers Falls Police Dept. established a grid system trying to locate Sanchez but were unable to do so. 

On Oct. 4th an official missing persons report was filed with the Webbers Falls Police Dept. Sanchez's body was discovered yesterday as state highway maintenance crews were mowing on the north side of Interstate 40 east of the Muskogee exit.

Sally Maxwell, Senior News Director

For more news stories stay tuned to The MIX 105.1 or visit www.kxmx.com