RICHMOND, Texas – Investigators have identified the woman who was found dead in a Richmond manhole as 25-year-old Melissa Ann Barajas.

Barajas' body was found stuffed down a manhole in front of a house in the Pecan Grove subdivision around 4:30 on Friday afternoon. Police got the call after neighbors noticed blood and other evidence near the drainage cover.

"She was underneath the manhole cover in the drainage area. It was covered as if someone was trying to hide the evidence," said Captain James Berger.

Investigators said Barajas lived in southwest Houston and was the mother of a 6-year-old child. They said she had been stabbed multiple times in the neck and upper torso before being dragged and dumped in the drainage hole.

An autopsy is currently being conducted on the body.

Deputies have arrested 21-year-old Steven Anthony Oliver in connection with the case.

Oliver, who was an acquaintance of the victim, has not been charged with murder. He is being held on $500,000 bond for allegedly tampering with evidence.

The Fort Bend County Sheriff's Department said they traced the victim's blood trail back to Oliver's home, which is just a few houses away from where they found Barajas' body. They also recovered clothing and a kitchen knife from the home.

According to investigators, Oliver admitted to dragging the body to the manhole, but said he did not kill Barajas. Oliver told them that Barajas stabbed herself.

"We are shocked and devastated by the sudden and violent death of Melissa. She will be missed by many, particularly her son. We are grateful to the Fort Bend County Police for their immediate action in finding the people responsible for her death," Barajas' family said in a statement.

The family said Barajas was an insulin-dependant diabetic who had been unable to work due to her illness.

They set up a memorial fund to honor Barajas. Contributions to the fund will be used for a funeral service and for her 6-year-old son's education. 

Individuals wishing to make a contribution may visit any Wells Fargo Bank. The official name of the fund is: Melissa Ann Kmetz Barajas Benefit Memorial Fund c/o Wells Fargo Bank. The account number is 8684632592.