Fort Smith, ARK – Authorities are investigating the death of a Texas man whose body was discovered early Thursday morning at an Interstate 40 rest area near Ozark. German Portillo-Batres, 59, of Richmond, Texas, was found lying on the shoulder of the rest stop access road around 1:45 a.m. on January 4 by a passing driver.
The Ozark Police Department requested the investigation, which was taken over by the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division. Portillo-Batres’ body has been transported to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.
At this time, the investigation remains ongoing, with law enforcement officials offering no further details regarding the circumstances surrounding his death. Authorities are working to piece together the events leading up to the discovery of the body.
This is a developing story, and more information will be provided as it becomes available.