2 DEAD MEXICAN POLICE FOUND NEAR BROWNSVILLE

BROWNSVILLE -- The bodies of two Mexican federal police officers,
tortured and shot execution style, were found Friday morning on the
banks of the Rio Grande, authorities said.

Cameron County Sheriff's Maj. Gus Reyna said the two men were found
near a commercial nursery south of the Brownsville city limits at 11
a.m. Friday by U.S. Border Patrol agents on routine patrol.

The two Mexican lawmen had been the subject of a search since they
were reportedly abducted in Mexico on Dec. 27. Reyna said a truck
belonging to one of the officers was found in the parking lot of the
Amigoland shopping mall in Brownsville on Jan. 1. The mall is one
block from the river.

Reyna said both men appeared to have broken legs and had been shot in
the backs of their heads.

"Until we get a full autopsy report we won't be able to confirm or
know exactly what injuries they sustained," Reyna said.

Reyna identified the agents as Joel Raul Rodriguez, 28, and Jose
Eleazar Hernandez, 45, both of Mexico City.

Hernandez was a retired commander of the Federal Judicial Police in
Mexico City, and Rodriguez was an active member of the agency, Reyna
said.

Reyna said blood was found near the bodies, but he could not confirm
where the Mexican officials were killed.

FBI agent Brenda Burton said FBI agents are processing the men's truck
for evidence as a courtesy to Mexican police officials, and have
offered assistance to the sheriff's office.

"Right now, were still working the investigation and have not made a
determination as far as a motive is concerned," Reyna said. "We're
working with Mexican authorities, U.S. Border Patrol agents and FBI
agents."