Court documents shed light on the disappearance of a veteran in Portsmouth
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — The mystery continues to surround the disappearance of a man back in late February.
Six weeks later, there is still no sign of him.
His family hasn’t heard from him since Feb. 27.
NewsNation affiliate WAVY learned the home 32-year-old Hector Olmeda Jr. was staying at had been visited more than once by police and the Navy Criminal Investigative Services since his disappearance.
One court document said Olmeda’s friend, who is in the U.S. Navy, led a state trooper on a high-speed chase on the Peninsula around 11 p.m. Feb. 27. He’s in jail for this incident.
“There were no outstanding warrants at the time of the pursuit for (redacted) to give him a reason to flee,” court documents state.
The friend’s car, a Kia Stringer, was searched. According to court paperwork, Olmeda’s wallet, passport, bank cards and phone were found inside the friend’s car.
“Forensic technicians found what is believed to be blood splatter all throughout a bedroom closet,” one search warrant said, “and garden tools in another closet located in the home.” These were all found inside the Wilcox Avenue home owned by the friend.
They also took into evidence a 5-gallon bucket with hardened concrete that had an odor.
“The remains in the bucket are believed to be the remains of Hector E. Olmeda Jr.,” court documents state.
In the search inventory, a journal that shows the friend’s state of mind is included. It also lists a knife, metal trash can, fire pit, sub-flooring and carpet.
A neighbor told WAVY’s Lauryn Moss police have been at the house for two months. He said he saw K9s going inside. He recalled smelling Olmeda’s friend burning something. The neighbor said he was using a fire pit and putting items in a metal trash can.
The family recently saw the court documents. His father posted on Facebook and said, “I was notified Monday night my baby is no longer with us. You will forever live in my heart. I love you, RIP.”
His uncle, William Rodriguez, told WAVY, “We ask for time and privacy at this time so we can process the loss of Hector Jr.”