A Texas mother who went missing earlier this month was found dead, said officials, who added that her former husband was arrested in connection to the case.
The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office added that it is investigating her death. "HCSO Major Crimes Unit will take lead on the Capital Murder Investigation," Hidalgo County Sheriff J.E. "Eddie" Guerra wrote on Twitter.
"Upon arrival, officers were informed that male suspect(s) 'forced female [victim] ... and put her in ... SUV,'" McAllen Police officials said. They noted that Banda had a protective order against Ford.
"The victim reported 'her ex-husband, Richard Ford ... called her ... [that] morning ... when answering the call Richard stayed quiet on the line ... there is currently a protection order which prohibits him from making any contact with her,'" police said.
Ford was tracked to South Padre Island, Texas, and was arrested near the beach, officials said. He was charged with aggravated kidnapping, and his bond was set at $2.5 million, officials told People.
It's unclear if Ford has an attorney.