BEDFORD COUNTY, TN - The Shelbyville Police Department has provided a somber update regarding two recent cases that aired on WGNS. Authorities have confirmed that the human remains discovered on Old Nashville Dirt Road in Shelbyville belong to 16-year-old Maria Lucas Gaspar.
The body of Maria was tragically found on July 8th, just 2-days over a week from when she was reported missing. Shelbyville Police are now investigating the circumstances surrounding her death to determine the cause.
Prior to the confirmation of the remains, Maria had been missing since June 29th, last seen at her residence on Bridlewood Drive. Authorities are now focused on piecing together the events that occurred during the period between her disappearance and the discovery of her body on July 8, 2024 (See original story HERE). By gathering as many clues as possible from the days in between her disappearance and death, police hope to uncover the circumstances that led to her tragic passing. This period is crucial for the investigation, as it may hold vital information about her movements, contacts, and any potential foul play involved.
In related news, the Bedford County Sheriff’s Office has reported that another 16-year-old, Allizon Gomez-Venture, is still missing. Allizon was last seen on July 11th at approximately 11 PM at her residence on Haskins Chapel Road. She is also described as a Hispanic female. Her clothing description and direction of travel remain unknown. At this point, authorities have not said that the two missing / runaway juvenile cases are tied together, but we do know that the two cases are being worked by two different departments. The Maria Gaspar case is being pursued by Shelbyville Police, while the Allizon Gomez-Venture case is being investigated by the Bedford County Sheriff's Office. • See the story about the two missing persons cases HERE.
Authorities are urging anyone with information on Allizon’s whereabouts to contact Detective Sergeant Chris Brown at the Bedford County Sheriff's Office at 931-684-3232. Additionally, if anyone had contact with Maria Lucas Gaspar on June 29th or later, they are asked to reach out to Detective Brandi Merlo with the Shelbyville Police Department at 931-684-5811.
The community remains on edge as the investigations continue, hoping for answers and the safe return of Allizon.
