The son of a well- known Saint Lucian religious leader is facing a murder charge in the United States following the discovery of a woman’s body in a remote field in Wichita County, Texas. Matison Jonathan Preville Jr., 20, was arrested after a missing persons case involving his romantic partner took a grim turn. His father, Matison Preville, is a well-known Seventh-day Adventist pastor in Saint Lucia.
According to CBS Channel 6 News in Wichita Falls, Preville Jr. was identified as the primary suspect in the disappearance of 28-year-old Keren Martinez Ballesteros. The woman was reported missing on Tuesday, June 17, by a close friend who feared she was being abused.
Although Preville initially told police he had not seen Ballesteros since June 12, surveillance footage later revealed he had picked her up on Saturday, June 14, near her residence. She was seen entering his truck wearing the same clothing in which her body was later discovered.
Phone records traced the couple’s movements to a large field near Cashion Road and Carriage Lane in Wichita County. Authorities searching the area subsequently located Ballesteros’ remains. The timeline and digital evidence further placed Preville Jr. at the scene.
Preville Jr. is being held at the Wichita County Jail without bond.
Investigations are ongoing.
