A Montgomery County Marine veteran suffering from PTSD remains missing after disappearing near the Texas-Mexico border last August, leaving his family desperate for answers amid a series of tragic events.
Juan Merlos was last seen Aug. 21, 2024, in Anthony, Texas, after departing from his Cut and Shoot home the previous day. Authorities confirmed his truck never crossed into Mexico.
“He does not disappear like that. Something happened,” said Maria Merlos, Juan’s mother, who has spent months searching for her oldest child, knocking on doors and retracing his last known movements.
The disappearance adds to a devastating year for the Merlos family. Juan’s youngest sister, Karen, died in a car crash during Hurricane Beryl, and his brother, Oscar, received a stage three kidney cancer diagnosis just two days after Karen’s death.
“I miss my children. Sometimes I can’t accept that my baby girl is gone, and my older son is not here,” Maria Merlos said. “I still wait for some answers. It’s really hard living every day without answers.”
Oscar Henriguez, Juan’s brother, continues searching while battling cancer. “I want to know he’s safe. And if he’s not, I want to have closure,” Henriguez said.
Juan Merlos was last seen at his Cut and Shoot residence on August 20 around 4 p.m. He then traveled south to Houston and west along Interstate 10 before being spotted in Anthony, Texas.
Law enforcement officials and family members express particular concern due to Merlos’ PTSD from his Marine service. He has a distinctive large skull tattoo on his left forearm.
Anyone with information about Juan Merlos’ whereabouts should contact Multi County Crime Stoppers at 936-539-7867.
