Family showed up to apartment
Madeline Pantoja, 21, had dinner with a close friend and was dropped off at her Midland, Texas apartment on May 10 before she vanished, leaving behind her dog, cellphone, and keys.
The following day, Madeline's friend alerted her family, saying that she wasn't responding to texts and calls and had not been seen since around 11pm the night before.
The missing woman's brother came to the apartment complex and knocked on the door, but no one answered.
Madeline’s body has since been found, according to Midland Police, and her reported ex-boyfriend Mario Chacon has been arrested and charged with murder.
Police did not contact parents immediately
Christian said that cops didn't call his parents until about three or four days after Madeline was deemed to be missing.
"I would understand not calling or not giving information out to the public to keep everything secure," he said.
"However, they never contacted the parents for around three days of her missing until people got upset and they started realizing 'We need to contact the parents.'"
Madeline’s body has since been found, according to Midland Police, and her reported ex-boyfriend Mario Chacon has been arrested and charged with murder.
Madeline disappeared three days before her brother graduated
Speaking exclusively to The U.S. Sun, Madeline's heartbroken brother Christian Pantoja said that her disappearance was very out of character as she would never leave her dog unattended.
"It was Wednesday when she disappeared and on Saturday was my graduation from Tech. We were texting on how excited we were for us to celebrate that day.
"And when we found out that she was missing... [it] broke my heart.
Chilling details before Madeline went missing
Madeline's neighbors heard a shouting argument at around 1am the night prior while surveillance footage captured a pickup truck driving away from the house, the family said.
The following day, Madeline's friend alerted her family, saying that she wasn't responding to texts and calls and had not been seen since around 11pm the night before.
Madeline’s body has since been found, according to Midland Police, and her reported ex-boyfriend Mario Chacon has been arrested and charged with murder.
Where Madeline's body was found
On May 20, 2023, the City of Midland released a press release announcing that they have found remains belonging to Pantoja.
The Midland police found her remains early on Saturday, May 20, three miles east of County Road 190 and County Road 1160.
According to the press release, an autopsy is being performed in Dallas County.
Community held vigil before heartbreaking news
Madeline’s cousin Myri Benavides explained to CBS7 the support the family has received from the community.
Thursday night, May 18th, the community showed their support again for Madeline by holding a vigil in front of the Midland Police Department, according to outlet.
Unfortunately, Madeline Pantajo's body was found Saturday, MPD reported.
