On Tuesday, March 12th, 2024 at 2:41 p.m., the Sheriff’s Office received a call regarding a body that was discovered in a field, just outside Dumas City Limits, off U.S. Highway 165 in a field. The body was discovered by employees of an irrigation company that was working in the field.
Upon arrival Deputies secured the scene, while the Desha County Criminal Investigators began their investigation. The body was found in a state of decomposition, with no identification.
The body was sent to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for cause of death and identification. Through various interviews conducted, Investigators learned that an 18-year-old Hispanic male from Dumas had been missing for numerous weeks.
The Crime Lab notified us this past weekend that the remains were positively identified through dental records, to be that of 18-year-old Diego Vallejo of Dumas.
Vallejo’s family was notified by Investigators this morning. Evidence gathered at the scene suggest Vallejo died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. A suicide note was also provided to Investigators that Vallejo allegedly left with his younger brother.
Once the investigation is completed by Investigators the file will be turned over to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for their review. UPDATE: 18 Year Old Dumas Arkansas Man Dies From Self Inflecting Injuries In Field On US HWY 165 Outside Dumas Arkansas
On Tuesday, March 12th, 2024 at 2:41 p.m., the Sheriff’s Office received a call regarding a body that was discovered in a field, just outside Dumas City Limits, off U.S. Highway 165 in a field. The body was discovered by employees of an irrigation company that was working in the field.
Upon arrival Deputies secured the scene, while the Desha County Criminal Investigators began their investigation. The body was found in a state of decomposition, with no identification.
The body was sent to the Arkansas State Crime Laboratory for cause of death and identification. Through various interviews conducted, Investigators learned that an 18-year-old Hispanic male from Dumas had been missing for numerous weeks.
The Crime Lab notified us this past weekend that the remains were positively identified through dental records, to be that of 18-year-old Diego Vallejo of Dumas.
Vallejo’s family was notified by Investigators this morning. Evidence gathered at the scene suggest Vallejo died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. A suicide note was also provided to Investigators that Vallejo allegedly left with his younger brother.
Once the investigation is completed by Investigators the file will be turned over to the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for their review. 
