Thanks to the help of an informant police in Texas have found the remains of a woman who has been missing for more than 25 years and arrested and charged her ex-boyfriend with her murder.
The Beaumont Police Department announced last week the arrest of Terry Rose, 67, for murder after discovering the remains of Kimberly Langwell, missing since 1999.
While the case was considered cold for the better part of 25 years, it was only recently that investigators began to gain leads into Langwell's disappearance.
In April, officials got word from a “reliable informant” that the victim was murdered and buried inside of Rose's home on Lindbergh Drive in Beaumont on July 9, 1999, the last day Langwell was seen alive according to a probable cause affidavit.
Police obtained a search warrant on June 10 and began searching the property, digging into the concrete and driveway. The FBI then brought in ground penetrating radar and cadaver dogs to help with the search.
On June 13, the investigative team discovered human remains on the property, which was believed to be Langwell.
The Jefferson County District Attorney's Office, the FBI and the ATF, Beaumont's Public Works Department and Texas Equusearch assisted the Beaumont Police Department in the search.
“Make no mistake, this was a team effort,” said Beaumont Police Chief Jimmy Singletary, during a news conference announcing the arrest.
According to the police, the pair previously dated but had broken up about six months prior to Langwell's disappearance. It is unknown why Langwell went to Rose's home on that day.
Langwell had plans to visit her teenage daughter for dinner, but never showed, leading to the police report regarding her disappearance.
Following her disappearance, Langwell's vehicle was found in the parking lot at the Phelan Shopping Center on Dowlen Rd with her cell phone. However, both her keys and purse were missing.
Langwell's daughter, Tiffani McInnis, also spoke during the press conference.
“I don't think I've processed it to be honest, but the moment that you hear that they’ve found your mother you’re elated,” McInnis said. “It's a long time coming and I'm so very grateful to have my mother back. Not in the way that I wanted her, but to know that she's no longer being held is a good feeling.”
Jefferson County Criminal Court Magistrate Marc DeRouen set a $1 million bond.
While the human remains found are believed to be Langwell's, forensic testing is still needed to confirm the identity.