Another Missing West Texas Woman Found Dead

LUBBOCK, TX – A second case of a missing woman being found dead occurred in West Texas this week.

As previously reported, on May 20, 2023, the remains of Madeline Pantoja were discovered in the Permian Basin. Pantoja had been missing for 10 days before her body was found. For the full story see: Holes in the Wall and Holes in the Story Lead to the Arrest of Madeline Pantoja's Alleged Killer

The man believed to be responsible for her death has been identified as 24-year-old Mario Chacon and has been charged with murder.

Meanwhile, while the investigation into Pantoja's case was underway, 120 miles north, the Lubbock Police Department (LPD) initiated a search for 18-year-old Lakaria Moore on May 19, 2023.

Three days later, LPD confirmed the discovery of human remains. Although they did not officially confirm the identity of the remains as Moore's, her family has stated to the media their belief that it is indeed Moore.

Rumors circulating on social media suggest that Moore was last seen with an individual known only as 'Max Amillion' on social media platforms. No arrests have been made at this time, and social media accounts are urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact the police immediately.

While these two crime stories may not be directly connected, it is important to acknowledge the presence of crime trends in the surrounding area.

UPDATE MAY 23, 2023, 11:30 A.M.

The Lubbock Police Department's Metropolitan Special Crimes Unit is asking for the public's help in the location of murder suspect, Christopher Carter, in connection to the death of Lakaria Moore. Lubbock Police were called to the 2100 block of North Jayton Avenue at 9:03 p.m. on May 21st, for a report of a missing person. 18-year-old Lakaria Moore was entered into a national database as a Missing Person-Endangered. Through the initial course of the investigation, it was determined Moore was last seen with 39- year-old Christopher Carter. On May 22nd, the Lubbock Police Department's Major Crimes unit was provided information on the location of Carter's vehicle, which was outside city limits near North County Road 3000 and East County Road 6650. METRO, along with Major Crimes investigators, responded to the area and located the body of a deceased female possibly related to the investigation. Shortly after the discovery of the vehicle and the body, LPD Officers and investigators also responded to a residence in the 2400 block of East 5th Street, which was believed to be related to the investigation. A search warrant was later executed at the residence. On May 23rd the remains found in East Lubbock were identified as Moore. Based on the information. METRO was able to obtain a Murder warrant for Christopher Carter. Anyone with information about this investigation or the location of Christopher Carter is asked to ca Crime Line at 806-741-1000.