TX - Terri 'Missy' Bevers, 45, killed in church/suspect in SWAT gear, Midlothian, 18 Apr 2016 #46

[DeDee]

March 12
MPD adds two new Commanders to its team —

Commander Dooley has over 15 years’ experience in police management. <> He most recently served the City of Glenn Heights as Chief of Police.

Commander Stewart has over 30 years in policing, most with the City of Arlington where he was recognized as one of the area’s most respected homicide investigators.
Midlothian Police Department adds 2 new commanders to local force

April 13
(Reiterates the same data that GS posted but it's in MSM now)

To help find her killer ...

@CBSN will have a special on Sunday "Five Years Since Her Death" @ 10pm
@CBSN will have a special Monday evening "Inside the Investigation."
Midlothian Police Say Missy Bevers Murder Not A 'Cold Case' 5 Years Later

Tips can be delivered:

• By calling Crime Stoppers of Ellis County at 972-937-PAYS (7297)
• By calling the Midlothian Police Department Criminal Investigation Division at 972-775-7634
• By private message via our Facebook Page, Midlothian Police Department – Texas (@MidlothianTXPD )

 

[Razz]

About those white balaclavas:

Why do Navy sailors manning screens wear white balaclavas? - Quora

Hopefully these answers include that firefighters wear them because of a special resistant material called Nomex

Scroll down to the part where it discusses firefighters use of white balaclavas.

It's late and I was curious.

 

[chaz]

You’re welcome. It’s on their official FB page, released an hour ago.

Midlothian Police Department - Texas
Thanks. I put this link in the media thread too. TX - Terri 'Missy' Bevers, Dallas 18 Apr 2016 Media & Timeline *NO DISCUSSION*

 

[dotr]

Midlothian Police Say Missy Bevers Murder Not A 'Cold Case' 5 Years Later
''MIDLOTHIAN, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) – The five-year anniversary of the murder of Terri “Missy” Bevers inside a Midlothian Church is days away, and no one has been charged in her death.''

Missy Bevers (credit: Bevers Family)

“The Midlothian Police Department considers this case an active investigation and continues to explore all leads that we receive,” Assistant Police Chief Scott Brown said in an informational release to the public.

“Midlothian Police Investigators are determined to see this case reach closure. Our agency receives tips and leads almost daily from various sources. Our investigators follow up on every credible piece of information. Please know that we will continue to thoughtfully protect the release of information about Missy’s murder as long as this case remains open. There has been substantial assumption about this case as it continues to receive nationwide attention.''

 

[gliving]

Three hours ago Fox 4 News put an article up on their facebook page. It now has over 250 replies. Comments are interesting.

Log into Facebook

 

[gliving]

BB made a comment about the new reward amount on Midlothian PD official Facebook page.

Log into Facebook

 

[Jethro4WS]

1. The reward is a new development and is being finalized. I do believe that police “May” announce it along with some update on the case.
2. I don’t know where the object was left. It most likely CAME from room 10 because that’s the room they come out of when we see it for the first time. They could have left it in room 9, or room 14, or on the floor between the two. Those are really the only options because once they leave 14 and turn the corner to come back westward along the south hallway toward the auditorium, there’s nowhere else to leave it.

what’s inside room 9 is storage items. There are folding tables, probably chairs, other miscellaneous items. We know the room 9 hallway door is locked but I don’t know about any other doors.

The auditorium doors would have been unlocked.

Yes, I believe we’ve only seen half the footage. There were cameras at all 4 corners; we have only seen footage from 2 of the 4.

One thing to point out is that if that item was found (if MPD actually tried to locate it and I suspect they did not) in any location other than 9, 14, or the auditorium - say, another room - then it would mean SP revisited at least one room.

As for the object itself, it had to serve some purpose, either an anticipated functional use or as part of an ongoing ruse.

Knowing what it was, where it came from, and where it was found would be useful.

 

[Gumshoe Stories]

One thing to point out is that if that item was found (if MPD actually tried to locate it and I suspect they did not).

snipped and BBM for focus

Why would you think police would not try to locate something that was clearly in the suspect’s possession on the video? Seems very counter-intuitive.

 

[Spellbound]

Uh, All I see is what appears to be the back of a person wearing a white ball cap and longish hair. But I'm viewing on my phone.

Nin, I am really glad to see you are still posting here, and working on this one. I put it aside for a long time, but came back this week. You've done so much and it has been appreciated.

 

[Jethro4WS]

snipped and BBM for focus

Why would you think police would not try to locate something that was clearly in the suspect’s possession on the video? Seems very counter-intuitive.

I happen to think that MPD did not do as thorough a job on scene processing when considering how short of a time period they spent at the scene before releasing it. Who knows when they actually viewed that video of the NE-S camera and whether or not they actually investigated that object? I don't even have a high confidence that MPD investigators looked at any of the church video before the crime scene was released. Only 40/60 that they did.

Do you know if MPD did investigate that object and know what it is, where it came from, what it was used for, and where it was found?

 

[Gumshoe Stories]

I happen to think that MPD did not do as thorough a job on scene processing when considering how short of a time period they spent at the scene before releasing it. Who knows when they actually viewed that video of the NE-S camera and whether or not they actually investigated that object? I don't even have a high confidence that MPD investigators looked at any of the church video before the crime scene was released. Only 40/60 that they did.

Do you know if MPD did investigate that object and know what it is, where it came from, what it was used for, and where it was found?

I have been and can be as critical of the job MPD has done here as the next person. And you’re right, clearing the scene in 7 hours was quite fast, even considering that multiple agencies were there to assist.

However, I think we can criticize police while at the same time assuming a reasonable amount of care and professionalism. You’re accusing them of being so stupid that they wouldn’t examine surveillance video while on scene for 7 hours.

Here is a link to the report Mansfield police filed after assisting at the crime scene:
Dropbox - Mansfield Report.pdf - Simplify your life

CSI Lane notes in their report that they were contacted at 7:30 a.m. to go to the church and assist MPD. While a time isn’t given, one could assume that CSI Lane got there sometime after 7:30 but not very long after that time. And the report states that examination and recovery of the video and DVR was initiated.

MPD did see the video. We can reasonably assume they saw the object. We can reasonably assume they got church officials up there to check for what was out of place. We can also reasonably assume that since the suspect did not bother to close doors after opening them, SP probably would not exercise much care in discarding an object they no longer wanted to carry around. While I can’t say it for a fact, I’m pretty sure SP placed or threw the object on the floor, either in the hallway or in one of those two rooms.

Police and church officials know exactly what the object is. And it came from room 10. I also know what it is, and by this weekend I will share what I can without jeopardizing the investigation. I’m not too worried about it because the object is pretty mundane. In fact many of the details in this case turn out to be common rather than extraordinary. So in order to help solve it, I personally believe we should look for simple solutions first, keeping our feet firmly planted on the ground.

 

[Tiff23fr]

Missys gun- is it known apx when it was purchased? I'm curious if carrying a firearm was something she had done for some time, or if it was a new behavior in the months leading up to her murder?

 

[Gumshoe Stories]

Missys gun- is it known apx when it was purchased? I'm curious if carrying a firearm was something she had done for some time, or if it was a new behavior in the months leading up to her murder?

Brandon gave her that gun 4 months prior to the murder. I assume it was purchased at the same time it was presented to her. It might have been a Christmas gift since Christmas was 4 months minus 1 week prior.

 

[Tiff23fr]

Brandon gave her that gun 4 months prior to the murder. I assume it was purchased at the same time it was presented to her. It might have been a Christmas gift since Christmas was 4 months minus 1 week prior.

Do you know if fire arms were common in their family /household? For example, IF Missy made a passing comment that she would like a gun, would it seem out of the ordinary?
Some households it wouldn't seem a big deal because they are common. Other households it might raise a red flag.

 

[Gumshoe Stories]

Do you know if fire arms were common in their family /household? If for example, Missy made a passing comment that she would like a gun, would it seem out of the ordinary?
Some households it wouldn't seem a big deal because they are common. Other households it might raise a red flag.

I believe the gun was Brandon’s idea, not Missy’s. He wanted her to be careful for obvious reasons - the time of night, rural location, etc.

 

[dotr]

I believe the gun was Brandon’s idea, not Missy’s. He wanted her to be careful for obvious reasons - the time of night, rural location, etc.

Do you think the ''creepy messages'' that MB received played a role in her murder, if so- would it not be a good idea to have them released to see if anyone recognizes the wording or anything else about them?
Docs: Church murder victim Terry "Missy" Bevers received "creepy" LinkedIn message - CBS News
''MIDLOTHIAN, Texas -- The fitness instructor found murdered inside a Texas church last month received a "creepy" LinkedIn message in the days before her death, new search warrant documents reveal.''

re post of video since it is included at link.

 

[Itsapuzzle]

Has anyone come up with some clearer shots of this frame? The back of driver can also provide plenty of clues. I don’t know if I see anything clearly and correctly, but he appears to be leaning over having one more look at building/window and you can see his neck, shoulder width and a portion of side face. Is his hair shaped to a point too, or is that illusion?

 

[Gumshoe Stories]

Do you think the ''creepy messages'' that MB received played a role in her murder, if so- would it not be a good idea to have them released to see if anyone recognizes the wording or anything else about them?
Docs: Church murder victim Terry "Missy" Bevers received "creepy" LinkedIn message - CBS News
''MIDLOTHIAN, Texas -- The fitness instructor found murdered inside a Texas church last month received a "creepy" LinkedIn message in the days before her death, new search warrant documents reveal.''

re post of video since it is included at link.

You said “creepy messages” in the plural. It was really just one message. It continues to be one of the biggest remaining pieces of information that we know little about. Police said they were unable to find out anything more about it. I don’t know if that’s true or if they were fibbing. I do think it’s possible - I said this here before - that the creepy message might not have been creepy after all. It might not be coincidence that this message was on LinkedIn and that was the same platform Missy and CW used to communicate with each other. So it’s just my theory, and I don’t have inside info on this, but I wonder if Missy’s friend inadvertently saw a message from CW to Missy, resulting in Missy having to create a cover story of some stranger sending her something creepy when in fact it was an acquaintance sending something intimate.

 

[Itsapuzzle]

* BREAKING NEWS *


Midlothian Texas: (16MP015685)
Terri “Missy” Bevers Murder Investigation

This week marks the five-year anniversary of the homicide of Terri “Missy” Bevers. The murder occurred in the early morning hours on April 18, 2016 as she was preparing to lead fitness class at a church in Midlothian, TX. The Midlothian Police Department considers this case an active investigation and continues to explore all leads that we receive.

Midlothian Police Investigators are determined to see this case reach closure. Our agency receives tips and leads almost daily from various sources. Our investigators follow up on every credible piece of information. Please know that we will continue to thoughtfully protect the release of information about Missy’s murder as long as this case remains open. There has been substantial assumption about this case as it continues to receive nationwide attention. Missy was a beloved mother, wife, daughter, and sister. She and her family, as well as the Midlothian community, deserve our best efforts.

We have added a retired federal agent to our team of investigators and his primary responsibility is the examination of this case. Additionally, our new Criminal Investigation Division Commander is an experienced homicide detective from a major metroplex agency. He also will review the information we have gathered in this case. The expertise of these seasoned investigators, combined with the advancements in technology and new investigative techniques developed in law enforcement over the past five years, will hopefully lead to a satisfactory conclusion of this case.

It is our sincere belief that collaboration with the public is what will eventually lead us to solve this crime. We believe that someone may have a vital piece of information that to this date is unknowingly being withheld. We appeal to the community to please contact the Midlothian Police Department, regardless of how insignificant they may think their information may be.

Some points we would like to reiterate:

• We do not consider this a “cold” case. Investigators are actively working new leads and existing case files. This includes coordination with multiple law enforcement agencies and forensics experts.

• To date, Investigators have received over 3,000 tips and are still receiving tips from all over the world.

• Over the past year, investigators have traveled across Texas and other states to follow up on new leads.

• MPD staff has presented this case to several homicide investigators’ associations for review; no new substantial investigative work was generated due to these presentations.

• Investigators are still interested in a vehicle captured on video in the parking lot of a nearby business in the hours before the murder was committed. The vehicle appears consistent with a 2010-2012 Nissan Altima, 2010-2012 Infinity G37 or similar vehicle. The vehicle of interest is driving slowly around the closed business; the driver turns the lights off and on multiple times and then parks for a short time before exiting the parking lot.

• The suspect observed on church surveillance equipment is wearing “police tactical” type clothing. The authenticity of the clothing is not known. Height analysis estimates the vertical distance from the floor to the top of the headwear of the suspect to be approximately 5'8".

• In the video surveillance, the suspect appears to have a unique walk or gait. The suspect'’ feet appear to turn outward away from the body, more predominantly on the right foot. Investigators are interested in persons who fall within or near this height range, and have a similar walk or gait or may have had a similar walk or gait during the time of this offense. It is possible the suspect's gait was caused by a temporary condition, injury or other factor and the suspect will no longer exhibit this walk or gait.

• There are several ways people can make an anonymous tip in this case. If the information provided leads to an arrest and conviction, persons that submit tips may be eligible for a cash reward. Tips can be delivered:
• By calling Crime Stoppers of Ellis County at 972-937-PAYS (7297)
• By calling the Midlothian Police Department Criminal Investigation Division at 972-775-7634
• By private message via our Facebook Page, Midlothian Police Department – Texas (@MidlothianTXPD )

This update answers all the things I've been wondering about .... especially that they ARE still looking for that vehicle. Thanks for posting this here.

 

[Tiff23fr]

You said “creepy messages” in the plural. It was really just one message. It continues to be one of the biggest remaining pieces of information that we know little about. Police said they were unable to find out anything more about it. I don’t know if that’s true or if they were fibbing. I do think it’s possible - I said this here before - that the creepy message might not have been creepy after all. It might not be coincidence that this message was on LinkedIn and that was the same platform Missy and CW used to communicate with each other. So it’s just my theory, and I don’t have inside info on this, but I wonder if Missy’s friend inadvertently saw a message from CW to Missy, resulting in Missy having to create a cover story of some stranger sending her something creepy when in fact it was an acquaintance sending something intimate.

“Wednesday afternoon, Midlothian police told reporters that Bevers' phone was found unlocked and they'd had no problems accessing her calls and texts.”

This statement stood out to me. Do you know if it is stating she didn’t have a lock on her phone, or if it is implying her phone was still unlocked at the time it was found?

Speculation Runs Wild as Mystery Remains in Midlothian Church Killing