Autopsy Confirms Identity of Victim Found in Crawl Space, JPD Seeks Person of Interest

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The Jackson Police Department has provided an update on the homicide investigation stemming from the discovery of human remains in a crawl space beneath a North Jackson residence on February 22, 2026. The victim has been positively identified as 31-year-old Mirna Ortez Moncada, and the Medical Examiner has determined the cause of death to be homicide. Investigators are now seeking to speak with Jose Fabricio Martinez Cruz, 24, who is considered a person of interest in the case.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing efforts of the Jackson Police Department to investigate violent crimes and bring those responsible to justice. The discovery of a body in a crawl space is a disturbing incident that has understandably raised concerns within the community, and the police are working to gather more information and identify any potential suspects.

The details

On February 22, 2026, officers responded to a residence in the North Jackson area after a body was discovered in a crawl space beneath the home. The remains were transported to the Medical Examiner's Office in Nashville, Tennessee, for autopsy and further examination. The victim has been positively identified as Mirna Ortez Moncada, 31-years old, and the Medical Examiner has determined the cause of death to be homicide. Investigators are now seeking to speak with Jose Fabricio Martinez Cruz, 24, who is considered a person of interest in the case.

• On February 22, 2026, officers responded to a residence in the North Jackson area after a body was discovered in a crawl space beneath the home.
• The remains were transported to the Medical Examiner's Office in Nashville, Tennessee, for autopsy and further examination.

What’s next

The investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional information will be released as it becomes available. The Jackson Police Department is urging anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Jose Fabricio Martinez Cruz or details related to this investigation to contact them at 731-425-8400 or Crime Stoppers at 731-424-8477.