VOLUNTEERS SEARCH WOODED AREAS AND CREEKS FOR MISSING TEXAS MOTHER — HER WALLET MAY HOLD THE CLUE THAT FINALLY BRINGS HER FAMILY ANSWERS
More than six weeks after 42-year-old Marjulin Daiuru Briceño Arrieta disappeared, volunteers are still searching through wooded areas, creek beds and difficult terrain in North Texas. A discovery along Highway 380 has given investigators a new lead, while her three children continue waiting for answers. Police believe Marjulin was m𝑢rdєred, and her estranged husband remains wanted on a murder warrant.
The search for Marjulin Briceño Arrieta is continuing in Denton County, Texas, as family members, volunteers and investigators desperately try to determine what happened to the missing mother of three.
Marjulin, 42, was last seen on September 28, 2026, after meeting her estranged husband, Richard Pastor Perez, at his apartment in Denton.
More than a month later, her whereabouts remain unknown.
Authorities believe she was killed, but her body has not been recovered. Her estranged husband, 49-year-old Perez, remains the subject of an active murder warrant.
For her children, every day without answers brings another painful reminder that their mother has not come home.
THE LAST KNOWN MEETING BEFORE SHE DISAPPEARED
According to the Denton Police Department, Marjulin met Perez at approximately 6:45 p.m. on September 28 at his apartment in the 1900 block of North Ruddell Street.
Her family reported her missing that same day after becoming concerned when they could no longer reach either of them.
Relatives were particularly worried because of an alleged history of 𝘢bu𝘴e and stalking involving Perez.
Investigators later discovered that Marjulin’s vehicle had been abandoned near his apartment.
They also uncovered evidence that the license plates on the vehicles had been switched.
These discoveries became important parts of the investigation as detectives attempted to reconstruct what happened after the couple’s meeting.
POLICE TRACE THE SUSPECT’S VEHICLE ACROSS TEXAS AND INTO NEW MEXICO
Investigators used license plate recognition cameras to track a white 2013 Ford Escape believed to belong to Perez.
According to police records, the vehicle was detected traveling through Wichita Falls around 9 p.m. on September 28.
It was subsequently spotted in Donley County, southeast of Amarillo, shortly after 1 a.m. on September 29.
Later that evening, the vehicle was recorded traveling westbound on Interstate 40.
The investigation eventually led authorities to Albuquerque, New Mexico.
On September 30, Albuquerque police located the vehicle at a hotel. Surveillance footage reportedly showed a man matching Perez’s description parking the SUV and walking away.
No other person was seen with him in the footage described by investigators.
The vehicle was recovered and processed for potential evidence.
However, Perez’s whereabouts remained unknown.
POLICE ISSUE A MURDER WARRANT
On October 13, Denton police announced that investigators believed Marjulin was no longer alive.
Interim Police Chief Tony Salas confirmed that evidence recovered during the investigation led detectives to believe she had been m𝑢rdєred.
Authorities subsequently obtained an arrest warrant charging Perez with murder.
The FBI Dallas office joined local investigators in efforts to locate him.
Police have stressed that although they believe Marjulin is dead, her body has not been found.
A reward of up to $2,000 is being offered through Denton County Crime Stoppers for information leading to Perez’s arrest.
A DISCOVERY ALONG HIGHWAY 380 GIVES SEARCHERS NEW HOPE
Nearly three weeks after Marjulin disappeared, volunteers made an important discovery.
On October 18, search teams located her wallet along Highway 380 near Decatur, Texas.
The wallet reportedly contained her identification, credit cards and other personal belongings.
The discovery came during volunteer-led searches organized by private investigator Alfonso Solis.
For weeks, searchers had been examining areas where they believed evidence might have been discarded.
Solis described the discovery as a major breakthrough, explaining that the team had finally found something directly connected to Marjulin.
The volunteers also reported finding another item but did not publicly disclose what it was.
All recovered items were turned over to law enforcement.
Solis said the findings could help investigators narrow their search and identify areas that deserved closer examination.
VOLUNTEERS RETURN TO THE WOODS AND CREEKS
The latest search efforts have focused on areas along Highway 380 toward the Wise County line.
On November 8, approximately 20 volunteers joined the search, walking through wooded areas, creek beds and rough terrain.
Solis said the wallet discovery and other information had helped narrow the potential search area considerably.
He estimated that investigators and searchers were now focusing on approximately 15 linear miles, compared with a much larger area of roughly 350 miles considered earlier.
The goal is to identify locations that could provide answers about Marjulin’s final movements.
Volunteers have continued despite difficult terrain and the emotional weight of the investigation.
Some have traveled to help a family they had never met, simply because they believe the children deserve answers.
One volunteer, Jared Williamson, said the effort was about finishing the mission and making sure the family could eventually find peace.
HER THREE CHILDREN ARE FACING AN UNIMAGINABLE FUTURE
Behind the investigation is a family whose life has been turned upside down.
Marjulin leaves behind three children, who are now struggling to understand why their mother has disappeared.
Her 18-year-old daughter has been particularly affected by the situation.
According to family advocate Denisse Carrera, the teenager had dreams of going to college and building her own future.
Instead, she is now trying to take responsibility for caring for her nine-year-old brother.
Carrera shared the heartbreaking words the teenager expressed about having to step into a parental role while still processing the disappearance of her own mother.
The family has also been seeking help with the children’s care and custody arrangements.
Their youngest brother is still waiting for his mother.
Friends, church members and community volunteers have rallied around the children, offering emotional support and practical assistance.
But no amount of community support can replace the person they desperately want to see again.
THE FBI AND DENTON POLICE CONTINUE THE SEARCH
Authorities have not stopped looking for either Marjulin or Perez.
Denton police and the FBI continue working together to investigate the disappearance and locate the wanted suspect.
Perez is believed to have left Texas, although his exact whereabouts remain unknown.
Investigators are asking anyone who may have seen him, recognized his vehicle or has information about Marjulin’s disappearance to contact authorities.
Denton County Crime Stoppers is offering up to $2,000 for information leading to his arrest.
Anyone with information can contact:
- Denton County Crime Stoppers: 1-800-388-TIPS (8477)
- Website: dentoncountycrimestoppers.com
Tips can be submitted anonymously.
A FAMILY IS STILL WAITING FOR THE ANSWERS THEY DESERVE
The discovery of Marjulin’s wallet has given searchers a new direction, but it has not brought the family the answer they desperately need.
Her children still do not know where their mother is.
Her daughter is trying to protect and care for her younger brother while holding onto dreams that have suddenly become much harder to pursue.
And volunteers continue walking through unfamiliar woods and searching along remote creeks, hoping that one more clue will lead them closer to Marjulin.
Police believe a murder occurred, but until her remains are found and the investigation reaches a conclusion, the family remains trapped in painful uncertainty.
A mother of three disappeared after meeting her estranged husband. Her wallet was found miles away. Now volunteers are searching every possible area for answers.
For her children, this is not simply another missing-person investigation.
It is the search for their mother — and the hope of finally knowing what happened to her.
