SAN ANTONIO — A group of retired law enforcement agents are taking a closer look at the death of a college student from New Braunfels.
In March, Caleb Harris disappeared from his off-campus apartment complex in Corpus Christi. The 21-year-old's remains were discovered nearly four months later in a wastewater well located less than a mile away from his last-known location.
An autopsy revealed Harris had no “obvious wounds” that would result from a homicide, such as gunshot or knife wounds. However, the Corpus Christi Medical Examiner's Office said his remains were in an "advanced stage of decomposition" and a few bones were missing.
Harris's cause of death remains undetermined.
"I don’t think [the Corpus Christi Police Department] can determine with 100% certainty that he fell in there or died of natural causes," said Abel Peña, a retired FBI agent.
Peña is leading a group of about 10 retired law enforcement agents and psychologists helping Harris's family find answers. They are working pro bono and meet weekly, Peña says.
“People want to know, 'How did Caleb die?'" said Peña. "How did he wind up in that treatment facility there?”
Tips have been pouring into Peña's nonprofit, Project Absentis.
Some online chat groups have speculated Harris may have been speaking with someone the morning he went missing and was making plans to meet up. Peña is aware of the rumors.
“We have examined a number of tips related to that," he said. "I have been given a number of people to talk to by an individual—as a matter of fact, today. I would say at this point they are decent leads. Not fully credible, but we are still vetting this and are hopeful that we get some answers soon.”
There’s not enough evidence yet to point to a homicide, natural or accidental death, Peña says.
"It is still an active case," said Peña. "We hope the police will take the lead and solve the case. What we want to do is augment their resources. Police departments are stretched thin. We have several hundred years of experience that we can offer, but we need your help. Obviously, call the police first before you contact us. If you don’t feel comfortable calling the police, please give us a call.”
If you know anything about Harris's disappearance and death, call the Corpus Christi Police Department at (361) 886-2600 or Project Absentis at 726-777-1359. You can also email the nonprofit at info@projectabsentis.org.
The Harris family is offering $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in this case, or a conclusive explanation about what caused Harris's death.
