Missing NH Couple James & Michelle Butler Confirmed As Bodies Found In Padre Island Shallow Grave ‘Stacked’

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX. (THECOUNT) — Missing New Hampshire couple, James Butler and Michelle Butler, have been identified as the bodies found in a shallow grave on Padre Island. The couple had been missing since October 16.

The Kleberg County Sheriff’s Office says a deputy located a woman’s remains Sunday in a shallow grave on Padre Island, near Corpus Christi. Chief Deputy Jaime Garza says a man’s body was discovered Monday beneath the first body.

Authorities suspect foul play.

The remains have been transported to a medical examiner.

Garza says it’s too early to say whether the bodies are connected to the search for missing couple.

The sheriff’s office on Friday announced that the Butlers were reported missing, along with their truck and RV. Relatives last heard from them Oct. 14 and believe the pair visited Padre Island, reports ValleyCentral.

DEVELOPING::

Geo quick facts: Corpus Christi is a Texas city on the Gulf of Mexico. It’s tucked into a bay and its beaches are sheltered by Padre and Mustang islands. The Padre Island National Seashore is home to migratory birds and endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtles. The harborfront Texas State Aquarium has touch pools, an aquatic nursery and a shark exhibit. Nearby, a WWII aircraft carrier, USS Lexington, now houses a naval aviation museum – wikipedia.