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What Happened to Antonio Vela Jr?

8/17/2017

43 Comments

 

By: Claudia Rivero
Antonio “TJ” Vela Jr. a.k.a. Speshul Ed is known for his sense of humor, his passion for music, and for being the kind of guy who's always there for his family and friends.
TJ, 36, hails from Victoria, Texas, a city of about 67,000 residents, located two hours south of Houston. Those who know TJ say he fell in love with Victoria’s underground hip-hop scene, prompting him to become a rapper and music producer. Samples of his work can be found under the record label Clock Work Records, as well as on SoundCloud and on Youtube.
​Andro Gonzales-Crail is good friends with TJ.

​“I call him ‘Spesh’ and have known him for over seven years,” Gonzales-Crail told me recently.

“On the outside, he looks like this intimidating, tough guy, but once you get to know him, he’s just the nicest person you could ever meet.”

June 15, 2017

​Gonzales-Crail bartends at Sports — a local pub where TJ hangs out — located in the Victoria Square shopping center on John Stockbauer Drive. That’s where he last saw his friend on June 15, 2017. He says it was a quiet night and that TJ was one of about eight customers who stayed until closing time — 2 a.m. 

​“He did know the people he was talking to, and he was one of the last to leave. He yelled ‘Love y’all’ as he walked out, and that’s the last time anyone saw him," Gonzales-Crail recalls. 
The Vela family began to worry when calls and text messages to TJ's phone went unanswered later that day. In an unsettling twist, according to a source familiar with the case, TJ's roommate found the garage door open and on the ground were TJ's cell phone and a plastic bag containing food he apparently purchased on his way home from Sports. Even more disturbing, the next day, the Vela family received a tip about a car that matched TJ's 1999 tan Pontiac Firebird, abandoned with a flat tire, 17 miles away near Venglar Road, a rural area in the town of Inez. 
The Pontiac Firebird belonging to Antonio Vela Jr., found abandoned June 16, 2017, in Inez, Victoria County, Texas. (Photo credit: Vela family)
Distance from Antonio's home on the 400 Block of Waterford Drive in Victoria, Texas, to Venglar Road in Inez, Texas. Source: Google Maps
Victoria Square shopping center on John Stockbauer Drive in Victoria, Texas. Photo source: Google
Antonio Vela Jr. was last seen at Sports on June 15, 2017. Photo source: Google
According to local media reports, Victoria Police and the Department of Public Safety conducted an aerial search of the location where the car was found. Although Victoria Police suspect foul play, they remain tight-lipped on the investigation.

“It just doesn’t make any sense,” Gonzales-Crail said. “It’s been two months since he’s been gone, and it sucks that there are no leads.”

​People Don't Just Disappear

Family and friends do not believe that TJ left on his own. Is it possible that someone followed TJ from the bar to his house on Waterford Drive? Or from Cimarron Express — the convenience store where he reportedly stopped to get something to eat? Was someone waiting for him in the garage at his house? Was he ambushed? Or did TJ startle someone who was up to no good in the neighborhood? And what about where his car was abandoned? The location is nowhere near his house. If TJ was taken against his will, is it possible that someone else was following in a separate car? Is there surveillance video of him anywhere from the night he vanished? Is the FBI involved in the investigation? Most of all, if TJ's phone was left behind (Victoria Police won't confirm that it was), does it hold the key to solving this case?
I asked those questions to Lt. Eline Moya, spokeswoman for the Victoria Police Department. 

"Unfortunately, due to this case being an open and active investigation, I am unable to go into specific details about this case that may jeopardize the integrity of the investigation. The detectives continue to receive Crime Stoppers tips and continue to follow up on all leads," Moya said in an email.
The not knowing haunts the Vela family. But they say the most difficult part is that, even though TJ is well-known in their community, no one is coming forward with solid information. His sisters have turned to social media to express their frustration.
Picture
Source: Facebook
The Vela family is also hoping for more media coverage. For now, they spend several days a week handing out flyers throughout the community and holding up banners with TJ's picture. They urge anyone with information to call the Victoria Police Department and give investigators the piece of the puzzle they need to bring their little brother home.
​According to Gonzales-Crail, he and his friends have also distributed flyers all the way to Houston, Austin, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi. He's also contacted the local FBI for help. "We're not giving up hope, but each passing day gets harder and harder," Gonzales-Crail said. "If I had known that night that it would be the last time I would see him, I would have told him how much I loved him, how much he is loved, and how much his friendship meant to me."
Antonio Vela Jr. is 6'0 and 185 lbs. He was last seen wearing a gray t-shirt, denim jeans, and black and white Nike sneakers. He has several tattoos including: angel wings and a woman on his back, a Nintendo game controller and a microphone on his left forearm, and a tattoo of his father on his chest.
​If you have any information regarding Antonio Vela Jr., call: 1-361-572-4200. 
43 Comments
Don
8/20/2017 11:15:50 am

How do people just disappear? Someone has to know where Antonio is. I don't think he left on his own, and hope his family finds him soon.

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Smith
1/12/2018 06:04:18 am

From what ive heard he snitched on the cartel

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Eva
12/18/2020 01:25:26 am

I don't know this guy personally but I know people in Victoria who told me the same thing. The Cartel.

Daniel vera
10/26/2021 12:26:39 pm

I'm tj velas best friend. First of all tj was from. A snitch. Second he didn't do business w gangsters which I'm why he shied away from my crowd. He was all about business. NO HE DIDNT SNITCH NO HE DIDNT DO NO FOUL SHIT. HE FUCKED UP BY TELLING SOMEONE HE TRUSTED WHERE OVER 250 THOUSAND DOLLARS WAS AND OVER HALF A KEY OF COCAINE. NOW I WANNA KNOW WHY POLICE DIDE FIND NO MONEY OR DOPE IN HIS HOUSE. ABD IF THERE WAS A BURGLARY WHY WAS ONLY TONY STUFF .ISSUNG.......HMMM YOU MOTHER FUCKERS WANNA ANSWER THAT. WHO NOW HAS A MOTIVE TO HURT HIM IF HIS MONEY N DOPES MISSING OUT THAT HOUSE YET NO REPORT OF A BURGLARY. THANK U MFS

Gloria
8/21/2017 09:18:20 am

Victoria is a tiny community...theres no way that someone doesn't know what happened to Antonio. Maybe a reward would help. Prayers to his family.

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Tanna Vela
8/26/2017 04:48:48 am

He is off my favorite cousin and we love him much. We just want to bring him home. I don't understand how people just be quite and àll we can do is pray and ask God to give him strength and watch over him. May our good Lord bring him home to us and help us find the person or people who have taken him from our family. Amen. I love you TJ. Cuz and We aren't giving up.

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Captain Obvious
9/10/2017 11:32:04 pm

cocain dealer goes missing.. not shocking.

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Bring T.J Home
9/24/2017 10:11:30 am

Negative comments are not necessary so keep them to YOURSELF!!! 😈😈😈😈

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Elena Ramirez
9/24/2017 11:57:46 am

U must know the scene, but that's not a Factor!!!! Not shocking at all ! If u don't have positive things to say then keep your trap shut 😎

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Yep huh
10/8/2017 12:01:01 am

Dealing dope n trash talking folks in rap songs might lead to this

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Natalie Vela
10/8/2017 06:45:32 am

As we have said before we don't need opinions.... we want him home so if you know where he is then say it. If not then keep your comments to yourself..

durrrr
10/11/2017 10:48:26 am

probably ripped off a supplier

Cyn link
11/4/2019 03:51:11 am

Ignorance,it's called a battle for that reason 🤦🏻‍♀️it is a competition of free styling,I swear ppl say the dumbest crap and did you buy drugs from him ,if not stop with the accusations

Elexia
10/25/2017 03:36:21 pm

Fuck u u dont no my cuzin

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Fuck you captain obvious
9/24/2017 09:29:09 am

Watch your mouth captain obvious !! Do you know where he is speak up!!!!!!

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Natalie Vela
10/6/2017 11:27:34 am

It doesn't matter what it is he needs to be home already my parents need peace. So if you know something tell me... where is he hidden ? Where was he taken? Being hateful isn't goin to do any good. What is done is done just bring him home

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Michelle
10/18/2017 09:56:04 pm

So just out of curiosity, has Captain Obvious already been questioned by police? Seems like he may a buyer.. since he/ she is familiar with cocaine dealers.. .
So, Captain Obvious, do you have information that will bring my brother home? Anything you might have seen ? Or heard? Is he alive ? Or dead? We need answers and closure. Not smart ass remarks and comments .

L. Vela
2/22/2022 08:31:26 am

Hi Fam,
I’m a Vela from Old Port Lavaca. Think we are distant relatives. I’m sorry to read about this. Has he been located?
Young , handsome man!
Hoping.

Ruby
10/26/2017 06:27:00 am

Prayers for TJ

Reply
Shell
10/28/2017 08:10:10 am

Iam so so sorry , I don't know any of y'all I saw your post and will share.. We know how y'all feel our daughter was killed and it's been a YEAR and because of her unfortunate addiction they did absolutely NOTHING !! They botched it from day one.. The media did ONE story then was threatened not to cover anymore of the story ! The reporter of the ADVOCATE promised us he'd do. A follow up , but when we got a meeting with the Texas Rangers because the law did NOTHING did not even talk to witness's. But the rangers can't do anything unless the COPS ASK FOR THEIR HELP..They won't do that. We did our own huge investigation and took all the info to the sheriff himself pages and pages and he just said I'll look at it all. And here we are a YEAR LATER if your brother I'm so sorry to say and our Jesse are not somebody , rich , socialist in the community they won't waisted their time. Atleadst this was our experience.. I'll be praying for y'all to find answers but as long as they say the investagation is still open they won't tell you anything. And they hide behind that .. GOD BLESS..

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Natalie vela
11/5/2017 03:16:33 pm

I am so sorry for your loss Shell.. we also have a hard time getting the news station and newspapers involved. The investigation is still open.... playing the waiting game is so disturbing....

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Isis reed
1/9/2018 08:41:53 pm

I pray to God that y’all find him /that he’s alive and well it’s so sad to hear this but even more I know someone out there should know something about his whereabouts it’s extremely sad how this community want pull together life to short we all need to stand firm/together..God Dad love one another’s yall

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Jay A.
1/31/2018 12:14:19 am

My condolences to the family, i went to school with T.J & we were friends on fb...we chit chatted but nothing serious! Regardless this really hurts my heart...i hope you guys find what you're looking for & that he is found safely! My prayers & good thoughts go out to you guys...

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Ian Seran
5/28/2019 06:33:02 am

Claudia Rivero... You have to know the history of this town. There is a raise your kid and a retire type community here in this area. They don't want you to know a lot here. About the real nature. The streets. The underground. This is not the first missing person cold case here. It is a personal and more close to home for most being how loud Speshul was and in many ways still is. This is the crossroads. Traffic in and out. Lazy cops and sheriffs who only pick and choose who they as well want to get out the way or hair. There are three other missing person cold cases in this area alone I know of. Anyone remember Coach Kenneth Wayne Hilscher? Just something to consider looking at to get a trail cooking again. Speshul hung out at bar I hung out at. So this isn't something I'm joking about.

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Claudia Rivero
11/24/2019 02:45:09 pm

Thank you for your comment. How can I contact you?

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Claudia Rivero
11/24/2019 02:46:18 pm

You can also go to the contact form on this site and email us that way. I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

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CG
10/8/2021 12:31:55 pm

I think about Coach Hilscher all the time! Crazy to have so much evidence and it go nowhere. Hmmm. And you're right, definitely not the first person to go missing here. I also think about the woman found murdered on Stubbs School Rd shortly after TJ went missing that the cops released literally no information about. They claim they still don't know who she is, but have not released a description of her or a composite drawing or any detail whatsoever to try to get the publics help to identify this woman. It's been like 3 years already. Just another case file to stick on the shelf I guess.

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Laura E Alexander
3/14/2022 06:47:09 pm

Hi, I just wanted to say I heard your interview on the vanished podcast, thank you for bringing attention to this case. It's hard to understand if the cell phone was found, then presumably the records and pings were studied? And maybe CCTV from the convenience store could show if he was being followed.

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Claudia link
3/15/2022 07:24:46 pm

Hello. Yes, it is a bit confusing. There's more information about the phone, however, it's not confirmed. Victoria police have not released many details about this case at all. But, yes, there's more information about the phone situation.

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Mona
3/15/2022 12:29:58 pm

I listened to you on Vanished. I think you are full of BS lije many Eady coast liberals.
I DO hope they find that boy. ...it doesn't really matter what happened and how he disappeared. What matters is ti be found

Reply
Claudia link
3/15/2022 06:23:48 pm

Hi "Mona" ,

I'm not sure I understand your comment. Do you have information about this case? Or what exactly is the "BS" you're referring to? This blog is to highlight cases of missing people. It's not about politics. There are plenty of places for you to go post about your political views, this isn't one of them. Have blessed day.

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Vi
3/18/2022 06:36:12 pm

Hi Claudia,

Listened to this case on The Vanished podcast. Looking at the map of where Antonio's casr was located. Did anyone (offical or volunteer) ever search the area of Mercado Creek that was near by? Looks like a remote, wooded area could hide something or someone. Thoughts and prayers for the famil y and friends. Not knowing must be heartbreaking.

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JJ
3/22/2022 12:15:57 am

Hey, Claudia. Thanks for keeping this case up on your site. I want to say, I’m currently listening to the Vanished podcast. And while these theorized comments are from 2017 to 2021, it seems disturbing that a lot of them seem to be pointing to one overall theory regarding Antonio. I found it quite worrisome that when you originally posted this, comments started popping up regarding his lifestyle as a person, and not his whereabouts. You mentioned on the podcast how you uploaded his case, and started to get comments that said “Antonio is a drug dealer/he was a criminal/he was a bad person.”

This is my point: These individuals who have anonymously posted derogatory comments most definitely know something. That is painfully obvious and frustrating on behalf of the family. Why would multiple anonymous people point fingers at a missing person if they didn’t know something? Why would they call Antonio’s lifestyle out if it was never even brought up in the first place?

The anonymity of the internet is the most painful thing. A comment up there even mentions something in regards to Antonio potentially being harmed over knowing too much information regarding a drug business.

The very painful reality is that Antonio is likely not alive anymore. The night he disappeared, he was forced to leave his phone so they couldn’t track it to where he was taken to. The Victoria police need to put more effort into investigating this as a homicide. The police are quiet likely because they have little information to go off of. I hope that they can release a press conference in the future and bring in more suspects. The reality is a sad one, but with these red flags, it’s just the most obvious.

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Amber
4/21/2022 08:24:35 am

What don’t sit right with me is what Daniel Vera said… he said he was a best friend of tj but how u knw tj told someone he had a bunch cash n drugs… n now he missin.. police need to talk to Daniel Vera seems lik he knows something or might know the person who did the robbery. He clearly said “tj fucked up by tellin someone he had cash n a bunch of cocoaine”… ??

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Salvador Vela
6/26/2022 10:47:22 am

My Questions:
Besides Gonzales-Crail, Daniel Vera and the unnamed roommate any other friends TJ was close too?

Who did produce music for recently? Have they been questioned?

Any of the rappers in Victoria's hip-hop scene been questioned?

The unnamed roommate what was his reaction to finding the garage door open? Where was he at when TJ called him from the Cimarron Express store?

The unnamed roommate after finding the garage door open, finding the bag of food and the cellphone what did he do next? Has his cellphone been checked as well at least to verify his phone call from TJ?

The unnamed roommate has he participated in TJ's search?

The unnamed roommate was the last to speak with TJ and the last to know his location doesn't that merit some kind of investigation?

Was the Cimarron Express employee questioned about seeing TJ? Could he confirm a date/time?

TJ's vehicle was it ever dusted and processed for evidence? Where's the car now?

- For the last ten years I've become interested in the stories of missing peoples especially here in Texas. Also, I share the same last name and I produce and write my own music and live in Texas. Antonio story feels personal to me. I wish there was more I could do to help.

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Kat
9/8/2022 04:11:10 am

I heard Antonio’s story on “The Vanished” Podcast.
I don’t know Antonio or his loved loves personally but I created a Facebook page “Find Antonio ‘TJ’ Vela” on Facebook and shared his story, Claudia’s website, and YouTube video she posted. Antonio’s story felt very personal to me, he reminds me of one of my loved ones. His story broke my heart. My heart goes out to Antonio’s loved ones. I hope they receive closure and bring him home. 🖤

But I couldn’t help but wonder about the police’s search efforts in regards to finding Antonio.

- Was Antonio’s phone searched (his last phone calls, text messages, social media activity? Was his phone ever pinged for his last known location? They could possibly have followed a possible route to find where he purchased his snacks.
- Was his bank activity checked? Prepaid cards? Did the police ever search nearby stores or check surveillance of local restaurants, stores, etc? He could have been possibly seen on footage.
- Was Antonio’s car ever dusted and processed for any DNA? finger prints? Blood?
- Did police search the surrounding areas? Bring in search dogs? Search teams?
- Did police question his roommate? The last people to have contact with him? Was Antonio seeing anyone?

I truly believe someone is aware of what has happened to Antonio and his whereabouts. The beings commenting anonymously are cowards for spreading such disrespectful and rude things about a soul which is missing, that was taken against his will. Antonio deserves to be found and brought home to his loved ones. No one deserves to be forgotten or have their life taken from them.

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Kat link
9/8/2022 04:34:06 am

Correction, the Facebook page is “Find Missing Antonio ‘TJ’ Vela.”

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Kat link
11/5/2022 08:26:21 am

Hi Claudia,
I created a missing page on Instagram for Antonio in hopes to help bring more awareness to his story. I wanted to share it in hopes others can help share and follow. Antonio deserves to be found and returned home to his loved ones..💔

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Kat link
11/5/2022 08:32:03 am

I posted the link to the Instagram page with my comment but should have shared it in the comments as well. His missing page on Instagram is: @BringHomeAntonioVelaJr and the Facebook missing page is called “Find Missing Antonio ‘TJ Vela” ❤️‍🩹

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Nope
11/6/2022 07:31:09 pm

Don't try to use this as an opportunity to cash in on your 15 minutes. So weird that you'd do this.

Kat
11/8/2022 12:19:56 pm

I’m not attention seeking. I’ve been following this case since discovered it on ”The Vanished Podcast.”
It’s disheartening you would comment something negative as such. Antonio’s story deserves to be heard. You should be advocating “nope” unless there’s a reason you don’t want his story to be heard. Is there something you’re hiding or being dishonest about?

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Eli
11/10/2022 06:37:16 am

Y’all are sick individuals for spreading false information about Antonio. He was a wonderful person, not someone you come across often. Why don’t any of you want him found? Where is he? Speak up hell up already 😡

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Eli
11/10/2022 06:43:15 am

I can’t even type because I’m furious. Where is Antonio? what are you afraid of?
Fucking posers man!! The truth always comes out. Antonio will be found!!

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