A distressing case in north Texas has shifted from a search for a missing person to a murder investigation following the discovery of a body in a shallow grave in Denton County.

Authorities in Fort Worth reported that a missing person’s report was filed on December 2. The investigation quickly veered towards suspicion of foul play, as reported by KTVT.

The grim discovery was made on Monday when the victim was found in a wooded area, buried in a makeshift grave. Investigations revealed that the victim had departed a party on November 30 with Alexander James Nicholas, aged 23. Nicholas initially told police that he had dropped the victim off at a particular location and the individual was alive at that time.

However, inconsistencies in Nicholas’s statements were uncovered by detectives, ultimately leading to his arrest. This breakthrough in the case marks a significant development as authorities continue their investigation.

The Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office is tasked with formally identifying the victim and determining the cause and manner of death. Meanwhile, the possibility of further arrests remains, as police continue to probe the incident.

Authorities urge anyone with pertinent information to reach out to Fort Worth Police Department homicide detectives at 817-392-4338.