A Texas man has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for the murder of his ex-girlfriend, Madeline Molina Pantoja, in 2023. Mario Chacon pleaded guilty to murder on Feb. 20, 2024, and was also sentenced to 20 years for tampering with evidence. Both sentences will run concurrently, according to the Midland County District Attorney.
Disappearance and Discovery of Madeline Molina Pantoja
Pantoja, 20, disappeared in May 2023 under suspicious circumstances. She was last seen without her car or phone, prompting police to begin an investigation. Her body was discovered more than a week later in a field in Midland, Texas. When Pantoja was reported missing, investigators noted that her coffee table was missing from her home, and her dog was left without food or water.
Sources close to the case suggested that Pantoja’s body was found near the missing coffee table, though authorities have not confirmed this detail. Investigators also revealed that Pantoja had recently broken up with Chacon before she was killed.
Parole Eligibility and Legal Proceedings
Chacon’s sentencing includes the possibility of parole after serving half of his 35-year sentence, meaning he could be eligible for parole after approximately 17.5 years.
