Early, TX Area Cold Cases

Name

Crystal Nitcher

Age

3

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

First, it was 2-1/2-month-old tammy in january 1972. Two months later in march, 2-year-old sarah. Fast forward four years — and to another state — to 3-month-old crystal. And finally, almost a year to the day after crystal’s death, the youngest of them all — misti, just 5 weeks old.One by one, helen nitcher’s daughters all died under mysterious circumstances.Patterns got missed. Medical examiners struggled with inconclusive autopsy reports. But helen c. (née tenery) nitcher, later known as crystal price, had two dead daughters within 2-1/2 months — in iowa, that is — until nitcher relocated and the pattern repeated in abilene, texas.Two more dead infant daughters followed.News reports on the four girls’ successive deaths also had a strikingly familiar ring; officials reported all three infants, as well as the 2-year-old, dead on arrival.The mother’s explanations for the short-lived lives were conflicting at best; the stories varied depending on the city and state where the obituaries appeared, leaving astute readers as mystified as iowa and texas medical examiners, who never could quite pinpoint exact causes or manners of death.Iowa coroners had no way of knowing nitcher left iowa after her first two daughters’ deaths, only to have two more infants die in texas. And texas officials apparently were unaware of the two previous iowa deaths.

Agency

Iowa

Name

Misti Nitcher

Age

5

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

First, it was 2-1/2-month-old tammy in january 1972. Two months later in march, 2-year-old sarah. Fast forward four years — and to another state — to 3-month-old crystal. And finally, almost a year to the day after crystal’s death, the youngest of them all — misti, just 5 weeks old.One by one, helen nitcher’s daughters all died under mysterious circumstances.Patterns got missed. Medical examiners struggled with inconclusive autopsy reports. But helen c. (née tenery) nitcher, later known as crystal price, had two dead daughters within 2-1/2 months — in iowa, that is — until nitcher relocated and the pattern repeated in abilene, texas.Two more dead infant daughters followed.News reports on the four girls’ successive deaths also had a strikingly familiar ring; officials reported all three infants, as well as the 2-year-old, dead on arrival.The mother’s explanations for the short-lived lives were conflicting at best; the stories varied depending on the city and state where the obituaries appeared, leaving astute readers as mystified as iowa and texas medical examiners, who never could quite pinpoint exact causes or manners of death.Iowa coroners had no way of knowing nitcher left iowa after her first two daughters’ deaths, only to have two more infants die in texas. And texas officials apparently were unaware of the two previous iowa deaths.

Agency

Iowa

Name

Samuel Jones

Age

55

Cause of Death

Shooting

Info

Austin police officers responded to the apartment complex at 909 reinli st. On a check welfare call. Upon arrival, officers discovered the decomposed body of a male, later identified as samuel jones. The victim sustained a gunshot wound. The travis county medical examiner’s office ruled this death a homicide.

Agency

Austin

Name

Loretta Roberts

Age

37

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On july 11, 2006 at 11:27 p.M., the victim was stopped by austin police at rundberg ln. And ih 35 with a known black male and issued citation for possession of drug paraphernalia. The homicide detective assigned to the case was able to confirm this was the last known documented citing of the victim. The victim was last seen wearing a blue tank top, blue shorts, white flip flops, white cross and pink fanny pack around her waist (as shown in the photograph to the left). As the investigation progressed, numerous tips and information was received. Some of the information received was that roberts was known to hang out in the area of rundberg ln. And ih 35. Further investigation determined that several known clients were said to have been aggressive with roberts and with some of the prostitutes working the rundberg ln. Area. This homicide was featured as a crime of the week on local news channels. Flyers were passed out and posters were distributed to generate leads. The case has been ruled a homicide; however, investigators speculate certain evidence could possibly be considered that robert's death was accidental.

Agency

Austin

Name

Paula Hernandez

Age

29

Cause of Death

Shooting

Info

On monday, august 26, 1996 at about 10:10 p.M. Paula hernandez was driven home from work by her friend, randy salazar. As salazar pulled into hernandez' driveway, an unknown subject fired several shots. Hernandez was struck and fatally wounded. Hernandez was taken by private vehicle to brackenridge hospital where she was pronounced dead. According to the medical examiner's office hernandez was killed by a gunshot wound. Hernandez left behind four children who were 12, 11, 9 and 8 at the time of her death. She had just recently started a new job as a saleswoman at a shoe store. According to family members and friends, hernandez was a lovable people-person and a loving mother.

Agency

Austin

Name

Dorian McCorvey

Age

21

Cause of Death

Shooting

Info

Officers responded to a drive by shooting at the intersection of manor and loyola. According to victim and witness statements, dorian mccorvey's vehicle, a burgundy oldsmobile, was traveling westbound on loyola. They were stopped at the traffic light at manor rd in the far left-hand turn lane. The suspect vehicle pulled up to the right side of mccorvey's vehicle and a young male leaned out of the passenger window and shot over the roof of the suspect vehicle. Witnesses reported hearing approximately ten shots. All of the people in mccorvey's car, including mccorvey himself who was the driver were hit. Mccorvey sustained a fatal gun shot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene. Upon being hit mccorvey lost control of his vehicle and careened across the street and ultimately crashed into a car wash office. The two passengers were transported to brackenridge hospital with gunshot wounds. The suspect vehicle was either a cream or dark colored vehicle that was possibly a cadillac

Agency

Austin

Name

Steve Longoria

Age

20

Cause of Death

Shooting

Info

On march 7, 1993 steve longoria was at his residence with his wife, daughter, mother-in-law and several friends. Someone knocked on the front door and the victim opened the door. The unknown male asked if he was steve and then shot him. The shooter fled on foot.

Agency

Austin

Name

Larry Flint

Age

35

Cause of Death

Shooting

Info

Mr. Larry flint was stopped at the intersection riverside and montopolis in the inside of the southbound lanes. He was driving an 1984 oldsmobile cutlass/cierra four door. Flint was the only occupant in the car. Another vehicle pulled next to flint in the outside lane in a unknown smaller vehicle. A black male opened the driver door of the suspect vehicle, leaned out and fired a single shot into flints vehicle. According to witnesses the driver/shooter was the only occupant in the vehicle. After the shooting the suspect fled through a nearby parking lot and proceeded westbound on east riverside drive at a high rate of speed. The suspect is described as:  dark complected black male  25-35 year-old  5'7" - 5'8"  approximately 180 pounds  short black hai

Agency

Austin

Name

Juan Lara

Age

23

Cause of Death

Shooting

Info

On april 9, 1987 juan lara was shot and killed between 8:20 and 8:45 p.M. Lara was employed as a cashier at the hillside liquors ii located at the oak hill centre shopping complex. A customer found the victim. There were no signs that a struggle had taken place. There was no money in either of the two cash registers that were on the counter and a handgun that was used for protection was also taken. Detectives believe robbery was a motive.

Agency

Austin

Name

Ruth Case

Age

31

Cause of Death

Stabbing

Info

Ruth helene case was a 30-year-old female. Case was described as a good mother and a good wife. She was also described as reliable and punctual. She was employed by holy cross hospital part-time and worked from 3:00 to 11:00 p.M. She was also a full-time student at acc and attended classes at the ridgeview campus. Allan case, her husband, reported her missing on january 15, 1986 after she failed to pick up their two daughters from school as planned. Her car was found parked in the 2900 block of glen oak street. This would have been less than 100 yards from her last class. Foul play was immediately suspected. Case was last seen alive leaving her chemistry lab class at 11:50 a.M. On january 15th. A search, both aerial and ground, was conducted. On march 21, 1986, officers were summoned to 3402 whitley, which is located in the booker t. Washington housing project. Once there, officers met with a housing authority supervisor. He had discovered a decomposing human body, which was mostly skeletal remains. The remains were identified as ruth case. At the time the skeletal remains were discovered, most of the booker t. Washington projects had been condemned. It was obvious that 3402 whitley had been vacant from some time.

Agency

Austin

Name

Ernest Vasquez Sr

Age

Cause of Death

Trauma

Info

On 04/27/1985 at 7:38am, austin 911 received a call to a man down at 1600 block e. 6th street, north alley. On arrival, the officers found a subject, later identified as ernest vasquez sr., who had been beaten and died as a result of the sustained injuries. Ernest vasquez sr. Was found in the rear of 1612 e. 6th street behind a shed. The witness that called 911 stated to the police that they had noticed the man lying down on the ground unresponsive as they drove through the alley, so they went to the nearest payphone and called the police. Neighbors in the area were interviewed and no one saw, heard, or noticed anything out of the ordinary the night before going into the early morning of the murder. According to the vasquez family it was routine for ernest vasquez sr. To go out on friday night after getting paid and to walk this route if he did not take a cab. Ernest vasquez sr. Did not have his wallet on him when he was found and robbery is the believed motive behind the murder. During the investigation two individuals of interest were identified as possible suspects but there was not enough evidence to charge anyone for the murder of ernest vasquez sr

Agency

Austin

Name

Esther Broberg

Age

35

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On sunday 05/22/1983 at approximately 9:37am austin police officers responded to the scene of a reported deceased person at 2900 e. 12th street, givens park. Softball players arriving at the park discovered the deceased body of a woman lying in a grassy area near the swimming pool. The woman was identified as esther guevera broberg, 35 years of age, and the mother of two daughters. Broberg’s death was ruled as a homicide by the medical examiner’s office. Further investigation determined that esther had been out with friends at a nearby club until the early morning hours of 05/22/83. She was last seen by friends walking in the area of givens park. On 06/09/1983 homicide investigators interviewed a suspect who had been with broberg and some other friends at the club that evening. The suspect confessed to participating in the abduction, sexual assault, and murder of esther broberg along with two other associates. On 06/10/1983 the suspect and his associates were charged with capital murder. The charges against the suspect and his associates were subsequently dismissed due to the suspect being declared mentally incompetent to stand trial. The three suspects were released from custody. In june of 2005 austin police department homicide cold case detectives began reviewing this case. Physical evidence recovered from the original crime scene was resubmitted to the texas department of public safety crime laboratory. Dna analysis positively identified one of the previous suspects to the murder of broberg but did not have enough evidence to include the associates.

Agency

Austin

Name

Susan Wolfe

Age

26

Cause of Death

Shooting

Info

Susan wolfe was abducted while walking in the 200 block of franklin boulevard. Ms. Wolfe was walking from her residence, 212 franklin st., to a friend's house located at 109 e. 49th street. Wolfe had planned to stay the night with her friend on 49th street due to the fact that her residence had been exterminated for roaches. A witness reported seeing wolfe walking eastbound in the 200 block of franklin blvd. The witness advised that two unknown males, wearing trench coats, kidnapped wolfe. He stated that they forced her inside of a 1971 or 1972 white vinyl / maroon, two door, dodge polara. He reported that the suspect vehicle had major collision damage to passenger door. On january 10, 1980 at 8:34 a.M. While inspecting rental property, a citizen found the partially clothed body of susan wolfe in the south alley of the 2000 block of e. 17th street. Dr. Robert bayardo performed an autopsy on the body of wolfe. It was learned that wolfe had died as the result of a single gunshot wound. There was evidence of sexual assault

Agency

Austin

Name

Debra Reiding

Age

18

Cause of Death

Asphyxia

Info

On january 22, 1979 robert reiding arrived home from work and discovered the body of his wife, debra, an 18-yearold female. He found her in bed, under the covers, with a pillow over her head. Since there was not a phone in their apartment, robert went to a pay phone nearby and called the police. Robert and debra were newlyweds and had just recently moved to austin from montana. At the time of her murder, the montana mining restaurant (steakhouse) employed debra.

Agency

Austin

Name

Celestine Broadus

Age

27

Cause of Death

Trauma

Info

On november 25, 1990, celestine rogers was found deceased at a park at 2100 redbud trail. She died as a result of blunt force trauma.

Agency

Fort Worth PD

Name

Roslyn Ruben

Age

52

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On january 21, 1991, officers were dispatched to a reported robbery at the roslyn shoe’s business, 5724 locke avenue. They entered the business and found roslyn ruben on the floor. She had sustained blunt force trauma to the upper body. Roslyn ruben was transported to the hospital. She survived her injuries. This case was investigated by the homicide unit, due to the nature of the crime and the severity of her injuries.

Agency

Fort Worth PD

Name

Doyle Stanley

Age

53

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On june 17, 1991, doyle stanley and john maddox were found deceased at their residence. They died as a result of blunt force injuries. They lived together at the apartment.

Agency

Fort Worth PD

Name

John Maddox

Age

29

Cause of Death

Homicide

Info

On june 17, 1991, doyle stanley and john maddox were found deceased at their residence. They died as a result of blunt force injuries. They lived together at the apartment.

Agency

Fort Worth PD

Name

Kevin Hood

Age

22

Cause of Death

Shooting

Info

On october 1, 1991, the body of kevin hood was found on the side of a road near lake arlington. He had apparently been robbed, and his vehicle had been stolen. It was later determined that he had been shot in the head. His vehicle was later found at a service station near the intersection of john t. White road and e. Loop 820. Kevin hood was an employee of the fort worth independent school district.

Agency

Fort Worth PD

Name

Richard Garcia

Age

17

Cause of Death

Shooting

Info

On november 22, 1991, richard garcia was at a party that was being held at the residence at 1826 may street. He and other individuals were outside the house. A car pulled up to the house. One of the males in the car began arguing with one of the males outside the house. Richard garcia was shot and killed.

Agency

Fort Worth PD

Name

Ladye Gallaher

Age

84

Cause of Death

Strangulation

Info

Ladye gallaher was an elderly lady who lived alone at the bellaire house condominiums. On december 24, 1991, one of her caretakers found her deceased on her bed. It was later determined that she had been strangled

Agency

Fort Worth PD

Name

Ginger Ross

Age

19

Cause of Death

Shooting

Info

On february 18, 1992, ginger ross was found deceased in the living room of her residence. She had been shot several times. She lived at the residence with a relative. There were no apparent signs of forced entry.

Agency

Fort Worth PD

Name

Trina Lane

Age

23

Cause of Death

Strangulation

Info

On march 19, 1992, officers were dispatched to 6001 e. Berry street. The body of trina lane had been found floating in a creek at 3700 cravens. Trina lane had been reported missing by her mother on march 11. Her 1989 ford tempo was found behind a butcher shop at 4016 mansfield highway. It appeared that there had been a struggle inside the vehicle. It was later determined that she had been strangled.

Agency

Fort Worth PD

Name

Rose Fromer

Age

50

Cause of Death

Shooting

Info

On august 23, 1992, a police officer who was on routine patrol found the body of rose fromer lying in the parking lot of the country connection night club 3137 alta mere. She died as a result of gunshot wounds. Rose fromer was the owner of the night club.

Agency

Fort Worth PD

Name

Robert Rodriguez

Age

32

Cause of Death

Shooting

Info

On may 14, 1993, robert rodriguez was at a bar located at 3446 may street. As he was entering his vehicle to leave, he was shot and killed. There were no signs of robbery as a motive

Agency

Fort Worth PD

Name

James Hargroves

Age

46

Cause of Death

Trauma

Info

On september 3, 1993, james hargroves was found deceased inside a residence that he shared with two other persons. There were no signs of forced entry; however, evidence of a struggle was apparent inside the residence. Mr. Hargroves was a volunteer for the fort worth area habitat for humanity and served meals at a nearby soup kitchen for the homeless, known as loaves and fishes. He was a counselor and minister to fort worth area homeless people. He was killed during an apparent robbery. He died as a result of blunt force trauma.

Agency

Fort Worth PD

Name

Mary Glassock

Age

51

Cause of Death

Shooting

Info

Mary glasscock owned the emporium antiques business located at 4709 bryce. On september 25, 1993, a friend went to the business and found mary glasscock deceased in the building. She died as a result of a gunshot wound.

Agency

Fort Worth PD

Name

Sloane Powell

Age

27

Cause of Death

Shooting

Info

On december 17, 1994, sloane powell was at a convenience store at 4344 e. Lancaster avenue. As she was leaving the store, she was shot and killed during an apparent robbery. A short time later, a male was shot during a robbery at a nearby apartment complex on meadowbrook drive. He survived his injuries. It was later determined that the same firearm was used in both crimes.

Agency

Fort Worth PD

Name

James McVey

Age

39

Cause of Death

Shooting

Info

On february 25, 1994, james mcvey was found deceased in the parking lot of a warehouse at 6201 dowdell. He died as a result of a gunshot wound. His gray ford pick-up truck was parked nearby. His face had been sprayed with paint, and gang graffiti had been sprayed on his truck.

Agency

Fort Worth PD

Name

Eduardo Lopez

Age

18

Cause of Death

Shooting

Info

Eduardo lopez was employed by danal’s food store, which was located at 3900 hemphill street. On may 29, 1994, a hispanic male entered the store, armed with a handgun. The male directed the manager to the office, where the safe was located. Eduardo lopez approached the male. Eduardo lopez was then shot and killed. The male then placed the manager in a storage freezer, and fled the scene.

Agency

Fort Worth PD

Name

Robert Freeman

Age

17

Cause of Death

Shooting

Info

On june 13, 1994, robert freeman was at a pay telephone in front of julie’s food mart at 4621 miller avenue when he was shot and killed during an apparent robbery. He resided a few blocks from the convenience store.

Agency

Fort Worth PD

Name

Curtis Roberson

Age

24

Cause of Death

Shooting

Info

On july 22, 1994, curtis roberson was inside the berry street detail shop at 2306 e. Berry street. Some males armed with guns entered the shop and, during the course of a robbery, shot and killed curtis roberson.

Agency

Fort Worth PD

Name

Felicita Olguin

Age

81

Cause of Death

Strangulation

Info

On august 6, 1994, felicita olguin was found deceased in her residence: 1125 may street. It was later determined that she had been strangled.

Agency

Fort Worth PD

Name

Richard Hutchinson

Age

32

Cause of Death

Shooting

Info

On january 14, 1995, richard hutchinson and his brother were traveling in a blue pick-up truck in the poly neighborhood on the east side of fort worth. A male ran up to the driver’s side of the truck and fired several times toward the truck, shooting and killing richard hutchinson. This murder was believed to have been drug-related.

Agency

Fort Worth PD

Name

Ruth Kearns

Age

56

Cause of Death

Trauma

Info

On february 3, 1995, ruth kearns was found deceased near a lot behind a vacant house at 2700 e. Vickery blvd. She resided about a block away. She died as a result of blunt force trauma.

Agency

Fort Worth PD

Name

Patricia Apodaca

Age

28

Cause of Death

Shooting

Info

On june 18, 1995, the body of patricia apocada was found lying in the street in the 700 block of n.E. 28th street. She had been shot in the chest.

Agency

Fort Worth PD

Name

Patricia Jackson-Lee

Age

38

Cause of Death

Strangulation

Info

On september 3, 1995, ms. Jackson-lee was found deceased in a vacant field at 500 precinct line road. She had been bound and strangled. She resided on sanders drive in fort worth.

Agency

Fort Worth PD

Name

Jackie Myers

Age

32

Cause of Death

Stabbing

Info

On december 9, 1995, jackie myers called 9-1-1 from his apartment at 6509 plaza parkway, and stated that he had been stabbed. Patrol officers responded to the scene and found mr. Myers in the apartment. He had been stabbed. He later died at the hospital. The investigation revealed that jackie myers had met the suspect at an adult video store on the west side of tarrant county.

Agency

Fort Worth PD

Name

Monica Coleman

Age

22

Cause of Death

Strangulation

Info

Monica coleman lived alone at her residence. On november 20, 1996, monica coleman was found deceased at her residence: 1029 e. Powell. It was later determined that she had been strangled.

Agency

Fort Worth PD

Name

Dorris Turner

Age

80

Cause of Death

Shooting

Info

Mr. Turner was found dead inside his residence by a friend who came to visit him often. He lived alone in an area frequented by transient persons, and often invited them into his residence. His 1991 red chevrolet cavalier had been stolen, and was later found at glenwood park in the 900 block of exeter st. He died as a result of a gunshot wound.

Agency

Fort Worth PD

Name

Edna Rodriguez

Age

8

Cause of Death

Strangulation

Info

On july 11, 1998, edna rodriguez was reported missing from her family's residence at 3536 travis avenue. She was the subject of an extensive police search. She was found the next day in the driveway of the vacant residence at 3604 lipscomb. It was later determined that she had been strangled.

Agency

Fort Worth PD

Name

John Mitchell

Age

69

Cause of Death

Trauma

Info

On april 14, 1999, officers responded to the residence at 2204 hurley, on a report of a double-homicide. The officers entered the residence and observed the bodies of john and mary mitchell inside the house. Mary and john mitchell died as a result of blunt force trauma. John and mary mitchell lived alone at the residence. In the 1980’s they owned a rock and roll club on the south side of fort worth. The residence had been ransacked and there were indications of a violent struggle.

Agency

Fort Worth PD

Name

Mary Mitchell

Age

65

Cause of Death

Trauma

Info

On april 14, 1999, officers responded to the residence at 2204 hurley, on a report of a double-homicide. The officers entered the residence and observed the bodies of john and mary mitchell inside the house. Mary and john mitchell died as a result of blunt force trauma. John and mary mitchell lived alone at the residence. In the 1980’s they owned a rock and roll club on the south side of fort worth. The residence had been ransacked and there were indications of a violent struggle.

Agency

Fort Worth PD

Name

Ezekiel Barraza

Age

22

Cause of Death

Shooting

Info

On may 3, 1999, ezekiel barraza, who was also known as “chico,” was at the cowboy cats club at main street and exchange avenue. Mr. Barraza then left the club. His body was later found in the parking lot of the el conejas club at 1603 n.E. 28th street. He had been shot in the back.

Agency

Fort Worth PD

Name

Stephanie Borjan

Age

25

Cause of Death

Shooting

Info

On september 28, 1999, stephanie borjan went to her parent’s residence at 3345 st. Louis. She was shot and killed as she was about to enter the house. Her children were with her. Her father, who was inside the house, also was shot.

Agency

Fort Worth PD

Name

Mildred May

Age

Cause of Death

Strangulation

Info

On february 4, 1967, a motorcyclist riding along the trinity river found the body of mildred may lying on the side of the levee. It was later determined that she had been strangled. Her co-workers reported that they had last seen her when she left the matador club on camp bowie the previous night. She did not return to her residence, where she lived with her husband. Her 1959 pontiac sedan was found at 4500 w. Freeway.

Agency

Fort Worth PD

Name

Brandy St Romain

Age

25

Cause of Death

Stabbing

Info

On august 27, 1971, a construction worker found the body of brandy st romain lying in a drainage ditch at 5100 randol mill. It was later determined that she died as a result of stab wounds.

Agency

Fort Worth PD

Name

Sheila Gocher

Age

18

Cause of Death

Stabbing

Info

On january 2, 1972, a person who was walking along trinity blvd observed the body of sheila gocher lying in a gravel pit. It was later determined that she had been stabbed several times.

Agency

Fort Worth PD

Name

June Ward

Age

25

Cause of Death

Strangulation

Info

On february 18, 1977, a person walking in the 1000 block of w. Fuller found the body of june ward lying next to the curb. It was later determined that she had been strangled. Her white chevrolet laguna was found at 4800 s. Freeway.

Agency

Fort Worth PD

Name

Ore Prescott

Age

31

Cause of Death

Strangulation

Info

On june 4, 1977, the body of ore lee prescott was found lying in a field in cobb park. Her car was found at another location in the park. It was later detemined that she had been strangled.

Agency

Fort Worth PD