FORT WORTH, Texas – Eldon Gustavo Gonzalez has been arrested on theft charges in connection with the theft of nine registered Longhorn bulls in Caldwell County. The arrest is the result of a year-long investigation led by Special Ranger Kenny Murchison of the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.

In April 2023, Special Ranger Murchison took a report from a victim whose bulls had gone missing from a property in Caldwell County. The cattle were last seen earlier that month.

Special Ranger Murchison notified Texas and Southwest Cattlemen’s Association market inspectors, providing descriptions of the missing bulls and their brand.

A few days later, Murchinson was notified, five bulls matching the description of the missing bulls, were located in an auction barn in central Texas. The bulls were withdrawn from sale and returned to the victim.

Special Ranger Murchison received a tip on the possible location of the four remaining bulls. When he visited the place, he found the four remaining bulls, besides a heifer that also belonged to the victim.

All 10 cattle were recovered and later returned to the victim. Bulls were identified by their owner’s brand.

Further investigation revealed that the suspect in possession of the cattle purchased the cattle from Gonzalez, who lived near the property where the theft occurred. Attempts to contact Gonzalez were unsuccessful and investigators discovered he had moved.

Two felony theft warrants were issued for Gonzalez. He was arrested in October 2024 and booked into the Caldwell County Jail on $50,000 bail.

Special Ranger Murchison thanks the Caldwell County District Attorney’s Office, the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association market inspectors for their assistance in this case.