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MCSO serves capital murder warrant related to burned body found on Nov. 2

Sergio Antonio Cerna has been arrested and charged with capital murder for burning 25-year-old Saffire M. Armenta.

MIDLAND COUNTY, Texas — UPDATE: According to the arrest affidavit, Sergio Antonio Cerna was arrested in Reeves County and had a cell phone confiscated. Officials combed through the phone after executing a search warrant and found several threatening text messages between Cerna and Saffire Armenta.

According to the affidavit, Cerna also agreed to take a polygraph examination. The results of the examination determined that Cerna lied, resulting in a failed exam.

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UPDATE: In a press release Tuesday, November 16, it stated that a capital murder warrant has been served by the Midland County Sheriff's Office for the homicide on November 2. 

Sergio Antonio Cerna was served the capital murder warrant by MSCO for his part in the death of Saffire Armenta. This is happening while he is still in custody for unrelated charges in Reeves County.

Credit: Reeves County Sheriff's Office

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UPDATE: In a press release Monday, the Midland County Sheriff's Office identified the burned corpse found on Nov. 2 as 25-year-old Saffire M. Armenta.

This is all the new information we have at this time. The investigation is still ongoing and any information on the case should be called into the MCSO Criminal Investigation Unit at 432-688-4600.

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UPDATE: The Midland County Sheriff's Office and Midland Crime Stoppers are now asking for the public's assistance in solving the homicide case.

On Wednesday, they released the photo below, which shows clothing worn by the victim.

Credit: MCSO

NewsWest 9 spoke with Tate Owen, the Public Information Officer for Midland County. She said this picture plays a big part in the investigation.

"The reason we decided as a sheriff's department to release this image to the public is because we feel like this shirt is very distinctive," said Owen. "The pattern is very recognizable, so we are hoping someone in the community recognizes this."

Owen said any information they receive can be crucial in identifying who the person is.

"We are asking for the community's help," said Owen. "If you have even the smallest memory of this article of clothing or you've think you seen it, maybe a friend or family member has worn it, reach out to us. No tip is too small."

Anyone with information on the case should contact Midland Crime Stoppers at 694-TIPS or use the P3 TIPS mobile app. No caller ID is ever used and tips remain anonymous.

A tip that leads to the identity and arrest of the suspect or suspects could result in a cash reward up to $1,000.

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The Midland County Sheriff's Office is investigating after the Midland Fire Department found a deceased burned body.

MFD responded to the 5000 block of FM 1213 after a structure fire call came in around 5:45 p.m. Tuesday.

Upon arrival, investigators did not find a structure fire. However, they did discover a freshly burned dead body.

While investigators have not yet identified the victim, they say it appears to be a female.

The body is being sent off to Dallas for an autopsy. The investigation is still underway and no further information is available at this time.

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