Harris sheriff: Teen couple stuffed slain mom in suitcase Teen killed girlfriend's mom, stuffed her in suitcase, sheriff's office says

Investigators said Priscilla Rodriguez confessed to helping Gerson Funes-Reina put the body in a suitcase. Investigators said Priscilla Rodriguez confessed to helping Gerson Funes-Reina put the body in a suitcase. Photo: Harris County Sheriff's Office Photo: Harris County Sheriff's Office Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Harris sheriff: Teen couple stuffed slain mom in suitcase 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

A 19-year-old has been charged with murder in the death of his girlfriend's mother, whose body was found inside a suitcase in northeast Harris County.

Gerson Funes-Reina is accused of killing Maria Rodriguez, 55, according to a statement from the Harris County Sheriff's Office. According to court documents, Funes-Reina is suspected of strangling Rodriguez with ``a rope or unknown ligature'' on Friday.

The investigation began about 10 a.m. Sunday when a man driving along a secluded private road saw a black suitcase in the woods near Guinn and 10th Street.

The man partially opened the suitcase, saw a body inside and called police.

Investigators identified the body and then discovered Rodriguez had been reported missing by her husband Friday.

Sheriff's investigators said Rodriguez's daughter, Priscilla Rodriguez, confessed to helping her boyfriend put the body in a suitcase and disposing of it.

Priscilla Rodriguez, 17, was charged with abuse of a corpse.