Body found in Texas, identified as missing Chelsea man

CHELSEA, Mass. — A body found in San Antonio, Texas has now been officially identified as Juan Santiago, a Chelsea man missing since mid-July.

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“We are relieved as a family that we were able to find him and be able to bring him home and lay him to rest,” said Marlyn Rosa, Juan’s aunt.

Santiago’s remains were located December 27, on federal land, in a wooded area behind the Fort Sam Houston Cemetery. The disappearance of Juan Santiago is a case shrouded in mystery.

Juan and his girlfriend, Kristina Mock, traveled to San Antonio from Massachusetts over the summer so that Juan could start a new job and the couple could begin a new life. But shortly after checking into a Motel 6, Juan called 911, telling San Antonio Police someone was after him.

The full 911 call is four minutes long and is chilling. This is a partial transcript:

“Santiago: I’ve got a situation where I live at

911: Yes sir.

Santiago: If you could track the phone down from where it’s at right now, you’ll know where I’m at. The situation is, you know, I had somebody, you know, come here and try to rob me and all kind of things. Please can you send somebody here?”

Before San Antonio Police could answer the call, Juan Santiago ran away and was never seen again. Kristina Mock alerted Juan’s family and some family members traveled to San Antonio, but they could not locate him.

Eventually, Kristina returned to Massachusetts with plans to speak with investigators; however, she unexpectedly died after checking herself into Melrose-Wakefield Hospital.

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Frank Trevino, a Texas-based volunteer who conducted several searches for Juan Santiago, told Boston 25 News that the area where Juan’s body was found is remote, located near a creek and is not easily accessible. Trevino said, after hearing the chilling 911 call, foul play should not be discounted.

“There are other people, males, that you hear on that [911] tape,” Trevino said. “I have no problem thinking that he was being chased, that someone was after him. He was trying to get away from someone.”

Juan’s family also is suspicious about the facts of the case.

“Once we heard that 911 call, and anyone who has heard that 911 call would know that he was running for his life. And so, we definitely know he was a victim of foul play. Who was involved? We have no idea and we’re hoping to get those answers,” Marlyn Rose said.

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It is not clear how Santiago died; an autopsy has not yet been completed.

His body is now in the custody of federal authorities who are now conducting an investigation into the circumstances of his death. Juan Santiago’s family is hoping his body will be released to them soon so that he can finally be returned to Massachusetts for burial.

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