Investigators in Montgomery County, Texas, are reportedly close to making an arrest in the murder of Marc Pourner, 28, whose body was found Saturday night in a wooded area near the shell of his burned-out truck, reported Texas LGBT website About News.
Pourner vanished Thursday after receiving a 'disturbing' late night phone call. His family grew worried when he failed to show up for work as a bookkeeper last week.
Houston TV station KTRK reported Sunday that investigators were led to the scene where Pourner's body was found . According to About News, the tip came from a "person of interest" who is connected to the victim. Pourner's body had been gagged and tied, and there were indications of blunt force trauma to the head, according to About. An autopsy is expected to be performed today.
Pourner's family told KTRK they believe he was the victim of a hate crime because he was gay.
"In our discussion with the detectives one of the first things I told them when they briefed us this morning was that one of the things that struck me about how this crime was carried out was the speed and cold efficiency that it took place with," said the victim's father, Mark Pourner. "I told the detective that in my opinion that indicated to me that this person has probably killed before and I have no doubt that they would kill again."
His relatives say Pourner was a good friend to many and had a big heart.
Anyone with information is asked to call Montgomery County Crime Stoppers at 800-392-STOP.
Watch the report from KTRK below.