UPDATE (March 22)
BELTON, Texas — The Belton Police Department said they found the body of Rogelio Arias, the missing 79-year-old from Belton, on March 22.
Police said around 2:30 p.m. on March 22, Rogelio's body was found on the banks of the Leon River.
Chief Larry Berg said in a statement:
"It is with a heavy heart that I share that the search for Rogelio Arias has concluded. While searching the Leon River today by kayak, Belton Police Department detectives found Rogelio’s body on the bank of the river, north of Taylors Valley Road. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
The family of Rogelio Arias have organized a GoFundMe for funeral and memorial services here.
ORIGINAL STORY
BELTON, Texas — A Silver Alert issued by the Texas DPS is still active for 79-year-old Rogelio Arias who went missing on March 9.
- Rogelio Arias has been missing more than 10 days.
- Rogelio was permanently moved to the U.S. a month ago, only speaks Spanish and suffers from dementia.
- Texas Team K-9s has also joined the search.
- FIND ABUELO: 79-year-old Belton man still missing after a week of searching
BROADCAST SCRIPT:
Rogelio Arias, the 79-year-old Belton man living with dementia, has been missing for 10 days now.
“Being able to eat and sleep... it’s kind of hard because my brain is going crazy. Where would be the next step? Where would I go next?” Rogelio’s Daughter-in-Law Esbeida Martinez said.
Esbeida and her family are using search parties, fliers, stopping by homeless shelters and now creating displays. They’re also expanding their search to Waco to help track down her father-in-law.
“At this point I already spoke with my managers. They’re willing to work with me. I told them I probably won’t get back to work until I actually find him,” Esbeida said.
Rogelio was permanently moved to the U.S. a month ago and only speaks Spanish and suffers from dementia.
Dr. Alan Stevens is the director for Applied Health Research at Baylor Scott & White.
“It’s a worry for anyone. It’s particularly a worry for anyone who’s not having their medication and not as physically able as a younger person would be,” Dr. Stevens said.
He said people living with dementia at Rogelio’s age struggle walking long distances and have trouble communicating with people they’re not familiar with.
“Both verbal and nonverbal are critical. Remember to approach in a non-threatening way. Communicate with both your eyes and hands and verbally,” Dr. Stevens said.
Esbeida said they’re praying Rogelio is still in good health and plan to search every inch of Central Texas until he’s found.
“I’ll do everything and anything in my power there is to find him,” Esbeida said.
Belton Police said they’re also following up on several leads and continuing their search to surrounding areas of Belton. Texas EquuSearch has also posted details about Rogelio on their Facebook page.
Rogelio is 5'5" and has brown eyes, brown hair, and weighs around 150 pounds. He was last seen wearing a grey hat with a "CJ" on it, a black cross necklace, a black jacket, blue jeans with rolled up bottoms, and blue shoes.
He does not have front teeth, he walks with a limp, and has limited use of his right hand.
If you have any information on Rogelio's whereabouts, please call the Belton Police Department at (254) 933-5840.
