It remains one of the strangest cold cases in recent true crime history: a Texas mom slaughtered inside of a church on April 18, 2016, by an individual who was filmed by a number of surveillance cameras before and after the brutal murder.
As the 10-year anniversary of her murder approaches, police in Midlothian are renewing their call for tips that will lead them to the killer of Jacksboro mother-of-three Missy Bevers.
The morning that she was murdered, Bevers was preparing to teach a fitness class at Creekside Church.
As part of their investigation, cops released haunting surveillance videos that showed the killer, dressed in clothing worn by SWAT team members. The person’s face was covered, and it was unclear from the footage if they were male or female. Detectives asked the public to take note of the killer’s unusual gait, hoping someone would recognize it.
The killer was filmed for 30 minutes before Bever’s arrival, vandalizing the inside of the church. According to police, the suspect had used a pry bar to break a glass panel so they could open a side door at the church — which did not have an active alarm.
Midlothian Police said this week the investigation is still active and ongoing.
“We continue to evaluate every lead and piece of information we receive,” the department said in a statement. “Our investigators remain fully committed to identifying the person responsible, bringing them to justice, and providing the Bevers family and our community with answers.”
Police said they still receive tips from across the country and the globe about the mysterious murder case. Investigators continue to pursue each lead they receive.
“We review all credible tips submitted by the public,” the department said. “In the last year alone, we received more than 100 leads from various sources. Each one is examined and cross‑referenced with our active case database.”
Most of the leads, police said, originate in Texas.
“Advancements in forensic technology over the past decade have been significant,” police said. “We continue to utilize and pursue these technologies as they become available to us.”
Police added that “much of the speculation circulating on social media” about the Bevers case “is inaccurate. For example, claims that we have refused assistance from other agencies are false. We are partnered with the Texas Department of Public Safety/Texas Rangers, the Ellis County District Attorney’s Office, and appropriate federal agencies. We value and appreciate their support.”
Police added that another incorrect claim is “that we have ruled out certain individuals as suspects. While some persons of interest receive more attention than others, no individual has been completely excluded as a suspect. This will remain true until the case is closed.”
Anyone who has any information pertinent to the case is urged to contact Midlothian Police at (972) 937-7297, or visit Crime Stoppers of Ellis County.
