GALVESTON, Texas – An investigation is underway after a man’s body was discovered in a dumpster outside a middle school in Galveston, according to the local police department.
Galveston police responded to Austin Middle School at 9:25 a.m. Thursday after receiving reports about the find.
Jackie Sauceda lives across the street from the school and says officers knocked on her door this morning.
“I was watching TV at 10 o’clock when they knocked on my door. Usually, I see somebody in front of my door and I was afraid to answer the door. A lady cop asked me, ‘Did you hear anything?’ and I said, ‘No,’” she said.
KPRC 2 cameras spotted a man in a hazmat suit looking inside the dumpster. The roads surrounding the school were blocked off for several hours.
It’s something Steven Hamilton has never seen in his neighborhood.
“It’s horrifying. It kind of got me shook up,” Hamilton said.
Police say there are no signs of a shooting. There is some trauma to the man’s body, but officials are not sure if it’s from the incident or something old. Police say there is no threat to the public.
“It makes you feel uncomfortable. I just hope they take care of the situation,” Hamilton said.
Galveston Independent School District said the investigation does not include its students or staff members and normal school operations are not impacted.
Galveston ISD released the following statement:
“Galveston Police Department is currently conducting an ongoing investigation outside of Austin Middle School. The investigation does not include GISD students or staff members, and normal school operations are not affected. Parents of Austin Middle School students have been notified.
“GISD Police Chief Josette Rivas is working with local law enforcement authorities as the investigation is occurring on district property.
“We will provide additional information and updates as necessary when it becomes available.”
The Galveston Police Department is urging anyone with information related to this incident to call the Galveston Police Department non-emergency at 409-765-3702 or call the Galveston Crimes Stoppers at 409-765-8477.
UPDATE: On Tuesday, Oct. 4, authorities identified the deceased as a 28-year-old Houston man. The official cause of death is still pending from the Galveston County Medical Examiner’s Office but it appears his fatal injuries may have been self-inflicted, Galveston police said. KPRC 2 is withholding his name out of respect for his family.