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Two People Spotted Crossing Into Mexico In The RV Of Slain Couple Found Buried On Texas Beach, Authorities Say
James and Michelle Butler had been traveling around the country working odd jobs when they went missing Oct. 16. A man and a woman were seen driving their vehicle days later, according to law enforcement.
Two people were spotted on surveillance footage crossing into Mexico in the RV and truck belonging to a slain New Hampshire couple found buried on a Texas beach.
James Butler, 48, and Michelle Butler, 46, were found dead last week on Padre Island, near Corpus Christi. Michelle’s body was found in a shallow grave buried on top of her husband’s, investigators announced on Friday. Their deaths are being investigated as homicides.
The couple had been traveling around the country in a truck and RV trailer. Video footage has captured two people, a man and a women, driving the slain couple's vehicles over the U.S.-Mexico border between October 20 and 21. Both are being called persons of interest. The sheriff’s office has released a photograph of them in which the man is more clearly visible; he has gauges in his ears.
"At this point, we just know that they might have come in contact with the victims, and because of that we want to talk with them, but we've got no indication as to their role at this point," District Attorney John T. Hubert said during a Monday press conference. He said it's conceivable there could be more than two people in the vehicles, but said only two were spotted on surveillance footage. Hubert believes the persons of interest are probably local to the Corpus Christi area.
Hubert said he's been in touch with officials in Mexico wouldn't comment further.
The slain couple was also traveling with three cats, but Hubert said the fate of the animals is unclear at this point.
The Butlers were last heard from on Oct 16. The couple had been driving around the country working odd jobs here and there, and posting photos of their travels to their family's delight. Saturday would have been James’ 49th birthday, KZTV in Corpus Christi reports.
A vigil for the couple was held in their home state of New Hampshire on Sunday night, CBS Boston reports.
Hubert said he hopes that someone will recognize the persons of interests and come forward with information. anyone with information on the persons of interest is urged to call the sheriff's office at 361-595-8500 ext. 1238 or email jgarza2@klebergcoso.org
