KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
July 18, 2024
By Natalie Cook Clark
The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office has exhumed remains in a cold case dated back to the 60’s in hopes of bringing closure. The department is hopeful that recent advances in forensic biology and forensic DNA analysis will provide new leads in this long-standing investigation.
Cold Case Seeks Closure
The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office recently exhumed remains in a decades-old cold case in hopes that new advances in forensic biology and forensic DNA analysis will provide fresh leads. The case dates back to June 1964, when the victim's remains were discovered off FM 359 near the Jones Creek bridge in Fort Bend County.
New Tech, New Hope
"With the significant advancements in forensic biology and DNA analysis, we hope to uncover new information that was previously unattainable," says Sheriff Eric Fagan. "Our goal is to bring justice to the victim and provide answers to any surviving family members."
The victim was described as being a dark-haired white male, approximately 6 feet tall, around 50 years of age, and weighing between 180-185 pounds.
In a brutal case, he was found decapitated, with his hands and legs amputated. His body had been left in a ditch around June 11, 1964. Authorities at the time were unable to identify the victim or apprehend those responsible for his death.
For 20 years, the remains were held at the Harris County Medical Examiner's Office. In 1984, he was buried at San Gabriel Cemetery in Richmond.
Anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office at 281-341-4665, option 1 or Cold Case Detective Scott Minyard at 281-341-4651.
As technology continues to advance in ways to better support and aide investigations, there is hope for more cold cases in the future.