BELL COUNTY, Texas - A Bell County man has been charged with murder after investigators discovered the dismembered body of a 67-year-old man while executing a search warrant at a rural residence south of Holland.
According to the Bell County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded shortly after 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 7, to the 17700 block of Pecan School Road following a 911 call reporting a possible homicide.
When deputies arrived, they found a large amount of blood and several cutting instruments that appeared to have blood on them inside the residence.
Based on information provided by the person who called 911, deputies identified and detained a person of interest without incident.
Search Warrant Leads to Grisly Discovery
The Bell County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division responded to the scene and obtained a search warrant signed by Judge Wade Faulkner.
During the execution of the warrant, investigators recovered a dismembered body.
Justice of the Peace Michael Tice ordered an autopsy, and the remains were transported to the Dallas County Medical Examiner's Office.
The victim was later identified as Larry Barabas, 67, of Holland, Texas.
Son Charged With Murder
Following the investigation, and in coordination with the Bell County District Attorney's Office, investigators obtained arrest warrants for Peter John Barabas, 35, charging him with:
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Murder
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Tampering with or Fabricating Physical Evidence with Intent to Impair
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Abuse of a Corpse Without Legal Authority
Authorities said the combined bond for the three charges totals $1.75 million.
Peter Barabas remains in custody at the Bell County Jail.
Investigation Continues
The Bell County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigations Division is leading the investigation with assistance from the Texas Rangers and the Texas Rangers Forensic Investigative Team.
Investigators continue to collect evidence, conduct interviews, and work to determine the complete sequence of events.
Because the case remains an active criminal investigation, authorities said additional details are being withheld to protect the integrity of the investigation and any future prosecution.
The Bell County Sheriff's Office expressed condolences to the family and loved ones of Larry Barabas and thanked the Holland Police Department, Bartlett Police Department, and the Bartlett Volunteer Fire Department for their assistance.
Anyone with information related to the investigation is asked to contact the Bell County Sheriff's Office.
