Disclaimer: This article contains information about a criminal act and may be distressing for some readers. Please read at your own discretion.
League City, Texas — A tragic incident unfolded nearly two months ago when a woman’s body was discovered hanging from a marina dock.
Her boyfriend, James Hart, 51, has now been charged with tampering/fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair a human corpse, according to the League City Police Department.
The victim, Giselle Tapia-Salazar, a 30-year-old mother of four, was found on May 31.
Back in June, detectives speculated that Tapia-Salazar might have died elsewhere before her body was moved and hung near her boyfriend’s boat. Hart was arrested at the marina dock on Davis Road around 4:30 p.m. on Thursday without incident.
Officials have requested an $80,000 bond for him. As the investigation continues, police say more charges could be filed.
The League City Police Department is eagerly awaiting the full report from the Galveston County Medical Examiner’s Office, including the toxicology report, which is expected next week.
This investigation remains ongoing, and the police are diligently gathering all necessary information.
Hart expressed his grief and denied any involvement in Tapia-Salazar’s death.
In an interview with KHOU 11 News in June, he said, “This is the worst thing that has ever happened to me. It feels like a nightmare you can’t wake up from.”
He mentioned that it had been difficult for him to sleep since her death. He told police that she had left the boat early in the morning to go to the bathroom and never returned.
Christian Allen, a neighbor in the marina, discovered Giselle’s body partially submerged in the water. He initially thought it was a mannequin but then recognized her.
Allen also noted that one of her arms was in an awkward position, which led him to doubt the possibility of suicide.
Police have been investigating the case as a potential foul play situation, noting that the position of her arm suggested she might have died elsewhere and been moved after rigor mortis set in.
They are reviewing nearly 2,000 surveillance video clips to gather more evidence.
The last known image of Giselle alive was on her boyfriend’s boat at around 1:35 a.m. on the day she was found dead.
Hart has expressed his desire for justice, both for himself and Giselle. He hopes the surveillance footage will reveal the truth about what happened. “There’s so many questions and not many answers.
There should be no doubt who did this. There are so many cameras in this marina. There’s no way this isn’t all on film,” Hart said.
The police have responded to disturbance calls at Hart’s boat in the past, a fact confirmed by neighbors. According to Allen, the couple had a tumultuous relationship, often arguing one day and appearing happy the next.
Hart, in his interview, stressed that he and Giselle loved each other deeply and that she did not deserve what happened. He expressed a desire for his name to be cleared and for the truth to come out.
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The community at the typically quiet marina is eager for answers, especially those living nearby, like Allen, who are concerned about safety.
“I want them to catch them because my kids are here and I don’t want to live near a murderer,” Allen said.
Anyone with information about the case is encouraged to contact the League City police at 281-332-2566 or Galveston County Crime Stoppers at 409-763-8477.