TYLER, Texas — The road to justice is long and winding. The family of Paula Belonga is hoping her case is different.
Belonga was last seen on Friday, April 7, leaving her apartment complex in the 4400 block of Paluxy Dr. in her white Chevrolet Impala. About five days later, her car was found in Zavalla.
Investigators believe Belonga was murdered and authorities have arrested Jesse Lee Williams, 40, after officials obtained evidence allegedly pointing to his involvement in her death. He is being held in the Smith County Jail on $750,000 bond..
In a CBS19 exclusive, Belonga's brother, Robert Baldinell, spoke about his sister publicly for the first time and says she was everything to his family.
"My sister was my best friend growing up," Baldinell said. "My parents were in the military, and she was my travel partner. She was my playmate, she was everything."
The family is still asking themselves why someone would talk Belonga's life.
"We still don’t know exactly everything and we’re not going to until the trial," Baldinell said.
While the trial may be months away, investigators are still digging in trying to find evidence that will lead to a conviction.
"After about three weeks, Tyler police reached out to us and told us it was no longer a missing person case, it was going to be classified as a homicide," Baldinell said.
Arrest documents explained how investigators used GPS and phone data to link Williams to her death. Baldinell says he can't think of a reason as to why Williams could have killed his sister.
"We thought about this, and we talked about it and (we don't) really know him to figure out what the motive is, we just don’t know," Baldinell said.
On April 7, Belonga and Williams' phones pinged at or near a public rest stop at 8226 South Highway 64 in Henderson. The rest stop is across from CR 4148, which leads to a heavily wooded area of about 1,500 acres.
"The unimproved county roads that run throughout this property can be traversed by an automobile, however, the terrain would be difficult if driven in a sedan, but not impossible," the affidavit said.
The affidavit states Texas EquuSearch was notified of the case and traveled to Rusk County to help search for Belonga.
On May 22, a gold chain necklace was found on the side of CR 4148. The necklace was photographed and collected as evidence. Officials say there are numerous photos in which Belogna can be seen wearing a necklace identical to the one that was found. A small bone was also found about 50' from the necklace. The bone was sent off for further analysis.
"Not finding the body, just drags out a lot longer and it makes to where there’s not the closure that you need," Baldinell said.
"We get a little evidence, and we follow on that. This case, until it goes to prosecution, I’m sure we’ll find evidence because it’s constantly being worked and any leads that they’re still following to recover Paula," said Tyler Police Department spokesperson Det. Andy Erbaugh.
"You know hopefully somebody will find her. It’s always a possibility and that’s kind of what we’re hoping her, that she is found," Baldinell said.
Until then, Baldinell hopes justice is served as they continue to celebrate her life and hope for closure.
"That doesn’t replace her in our lives and you know it’s just like a death in anyone’s family," Baldinell said. "It’s something you have to learn to deal with and get through. In a lot of ways, it’s brought us a lot closer."