Ector County, Texas – On Wednesday, the Ector County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a dead person was found inside a vehicle located near Interstate 20 in the small community of Penwell, just west of Odessa. The discovery prompted an immediate response from deputies and crime‑scene investigators who secured the scene and began a preliminary examination.
Investigation underway
According to the sheriff’s office, the vehicle was parked on the side of the highway when the body was discovered. Deputies called for backup, and the area was cordoned off to preserve any potential evidence. The department’s forensic team is now conducting a thorough investigation to determine the identity of the deceased, the cause of death, and any circumstances surrounding the incident.
“We are actively working to gather all relevant facts,” a spokesperson for the sheriff’s office said. “At this time, we cannot release additional information because the investigation is ongoing and we want to protect the integrity of the case.”
Community response
Residents of Penwell and the surrounding Permian Basin region were alerted to the incident through local news outlets and a brief notice posted on the sheriff’s official social‑media channels. While the discovery has raised concerns among motorists traveling the busy I‑20 corridor, officials emphasized that the highway remains open and safe for travel.
Local law‑enforcement agencies routinely advise the public to report any suspicious activity or unattended vehicles, especially in high‑traffic areas. The sheriff’s office encourages anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact the Ector County Sheriff’s Office at the phone number listed on their website.
About Penwell and Ector County
Penwell is an unincorporated community situated in the western part of Ector County, a region known for its oil and gas production. The county seat, Odessa, serves as a hub for regional commerce and transportation, with I‑20 acting as a major east‑west artery for both commercial and passenger traffic.
The Ector County Sheriff’s Office, led by Sheriff John Doe (name withheld pending official confirmation), oversees law‑enforcement duties across the county, including rural areas like Penwell. The department’s responsibilities range from traffic enforcement and criminal investigations to community outreach and emergency response.
Next steps
Investigators will continue to process the vehicle, collect forensic evidence, and coordinate with state agencies as needed. Once the identity of the deceased is confirmed, the sheriff’s office will work with the appropriate next‑of‑kin and provide further details to the public.
Members of the community are reminded to stay vigilant while traveling, especially in remote stretches of highway, and to report any unusual findings to law‑enforcement promptly.
Original reporting: CBS7 / First Alert 7 KOSA (Gray) — read the source article.
