Authorities investigate rash of homicides in Texas town

DEL VALLE, Texas (AP) — An Austin suburb has recorded eight homicides since September and authorities say the killings may be related to the increasing presence of cartels and illicit drug activity.

The deaths in Del Valle (VAL'-ee) include four men whose bodies were found in a burned-out home in September in what authorities say was an apparent drug-related slaying. The most recent killing occurred Monday.

Click through the slideshow to see 30 of the safest cities and towns in Texas, based on FBI UCR numbers. Click through the slideshow to see 30 of the safest cities and towns in Texas, based on FBI UCR numbers. Image 1 of / 48 Caption Close Authorities investigate rash of homicides in Texas town 1 / 48 Back to Gallery

Bastrop County interim Sheriff Rosanna Abreo tells the Austin American-Statesman (http://atxne.ws/2fHuBTi ) the deaths may speak to a problem with more drug transactions spilling between Bastrop and Travis counties.

She says a half-dozen cartels are known to operate in the area, trafficking in large amounts of heroin and other drugs.

Del Valle is a town of about 17,000 residents that borders Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

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Information from: Austin American-Statesman, http://www.statesman.com