Date: 04/16/1997
OPD Case Number: 97-05500
Victim: Gerardo Olivas, 40 years old
Location: 612 Magnolia (Flores Café)
Summary: Officers responded to Flores Café regarding a gunshot victim. Gerado Olivas was found in the parking lot, with a gunshot wound to the chest. He was transported to Medical Center Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. Olivas had exited the business five to ten minutes before he was found.
If you are the first caller with information that leads to the arrest of the person(s) involved in this murder, it will be worth a cash reward. Call Odessa Crime Stoppers at 432-333-TIPS. Or go to our website at 333tips.org and send us a secure tip.  You will remain anonymous

On Tuesday September 10, 2019 at 11:43 am, the Ector County Sheriff's Office responded to a call for service in Gardendale, Texas in reference to possible human remains located in a pasture.

Deputies arrived on scene and confirmed the discovery to be human remains, the Ector County Sheriff's Office then initiated an investigation into the discovery.
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The Ector County Sheriff's Office CID with the assistance of the Texas Rangers Unsolved Crimes Investigation Program tirelessly worked to identify the remains. Investigators utilized the service of Othram Inc. to conduct advanced DNA analysis and a lead was provided to investigators.

On September 23, 2021, through further investigation and DNA confirmation the remains were confirmed to be that of Timothy Daniel Gomez.
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If you have any information on Timothy’s death, please contact us at 432-333-TIPS or use our app P3Tips. If your tip leads to an arrest it can be worth a cash reward. You will remain ANONYMOUS!

Sammy Jones (DOB 09/09/1963) was found dead in the alley behind a convenience store at 10th & Dixie. Investigators believed he was killed between 6:00 pm -8:00 pm on Monday, March 23rd, 2020.

If you have any information on Sammy’s death, please contact us at 432-333-TIPS or use our app P3Tips.If your tip leads to an arrest it can be worth a cash reward. You will be ANONYMOUS!

Brandon Swinney was shot and killed outside his home on November 21st, 2019.
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OPD officers responded to a shots fired call and found Swinney dead and lying outside of his home in the 1700 blk of Dotsy. Investigation showed Swinney had just returned to his residence and exited his vehicle before being shot by an unknown subject. The suspect fled the scene before officers arrived. Brandon, a lifelong resident of Odessa was 42 years old at the time of his death.

We are asking the public’s assistance in helping solve this case. Odessa Crime Stoppers has a $1000 reward offer for information that leads to the arrest of the person that killed Brandon Swinney. Tips have been received and investigators have worked diligently but this case is still unsolved.

Someone has the critical information that investigators need to bring closure to this case and to his family. If you are the one who has the information investigators need, we understand you may be scared. By using Crime Stoppers, you will remain totally anonymous. You don’t have to fear retaliation, you don’t have to worry about testifying in court, you don’t have to worry about someone knowing you’re the one who gave us this information. But you are the one who can make a difference and we need your help.

To be eligible for the additional rewards you must contact Odessa Crime Stoppers either through our tips line at 432-333-TIPS or by using our app P3tips. Eligible information, is information not already known to investigators and that which leads to an arrest.

Money Joe Belcher was identified as the victim found burned to death in a late July 2018, Avenue L, brush fire in Odessa.

Belcher, 33, whose body was discovered in a brush fire at 5:30 a.m. on July 29, 2018 is the victim of foul play. If you have any information on Money Joe's death, please contact us at 432-333-TIPS or use our app P3Tips.If your tip leads to an arrest it can be worth a cash reward. You will be ANONYMOUS!

Date: 09/29/2014
OPD Case Number: 14-0024165
Victim: Humberto Palma, 39 years old
Location: Intersection of E. 23rd/ Keystone Dr.
Summary: Officers responded to a gunshot victim that occurred at the intersection of E. 23rd and Keystone Dr. Humberto Palma was located with a gunshot wound to his head. Witnesses reported that Palma stopped in the intersection. He was followed by occupants of a tan colored sedan. The passenger of the sedan exited and approached Palma. Witnesses heard multiple gunshots before the occupants of the tan sedan fled the area.
 

***UPDATE ***
An arrest has been made in connection to a murder that occurred at the Studio 6 Motel back in April of 2014. Investigation has led to the arrest of Michael Rashad Johnson, date of birth 02/01/1982, for Murder “1st Degree Felony”. Johnson is currently in federal custody.

At this time investigators are still searching for a Darius Earl Tillman, date of birth 01/06/1975. A murder warrant has been obtained for Tillman in reference to his involvement with the Studio 6 shooting.
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***Original Info***
On April 3, 2014  at about 2:30 am OPD officers responded to the Studio 6 Motel at 3031 East Highway 80 in reference to two gunshot victims. Upon arrival, officers discovered that 2 victims had been shot multiple times. Both victims were transported to the hospital, where one later died. The decedent was identified as 36 year old Dewayne Green of El Paso, Texas. Green leaves behind a wife and two daughters who want answers and need closure.
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Many investigative hours have been spent trying to identify the suspect in this homicide. We need your help to bring this person to justice.
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If you are the first caller with information that leads to the arrest of the person(s) involved in this murder, it will be worth a $1000 cash reward. Call Odessa Crime Stoppers at 432-333-TIPS. Or go to our website at odessacrimestoppers.org and send us a secure tip.  You will remain anonymous.

Barnaby Alfredo Gabaldon, a resident of Odessa was kidnapped on Saturday, February 11th, 2012 while visiting family in Ojinaga, Mexico.  At the time of the kidnapping, he was in the company of his father, Alfredo Gabaldon, and his brother in law, Gamaliel Garcia. All three men were kidnapped.
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Barnaby Gabaldon is described as a Hispanic male, 22 years old, 5’6” tall and 170 lbs. He has black hair and brown eyes.

If you have information on this kidnapping or information that will lead to the recovery of Barnaby Gabaldon please call Odessa Crime Stoppers at 432-333-TIPS and you will remain anonymous.

***UPDATE  10-24-08***
7 arrests have been made in this shooting incident by ECSO.

On Thursday, October 9, 2008 Ector County Deputies responded to a Gunshot Victim call about 1:23 a.m. in the 7300 block of Hughes Lane.

Upon arrival, officers found Rey Valdez had been shot one time in the upper arm the round went through arm and entered  the chest cavity.  The weapon used was a handgun.
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Valdez was transported to Medical Center Hospital and later died.
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If you are the first caller with information that leads to the arrest of the person(s) involved in this murder, it will be worth a cash reward. Call Odessa Crime Stoppers at 432-333-TIPS. Or go to our website at 333tips.org and send us a secure tip.  You will remain anonymous.

 On March 15th, 2008 Investigators with the Glasscock County Sheriff’s office discovered the body of 18 year old Timothy Sanchez lying in the middle of Highway 137.  Mr. Sanchez had been stabbed numerous times. He was last seen driving a 1997 white Dodge-Neon on Saturday March 15th.  The Neon was recovered the next day in the 1500 block of South Grant in Odessa.  Sanchez formerly of San Angelo was living in Odessa at the time of his death.
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If you are the first caller with information that leads to the arrest of the person(s) involved in this murder, it will be worth a cash reward. Call Odessa Crime Stoppers at 432-333-TIPS. Or go to our website at 333tips.org and send us a secure tip.  You will remain anonymous.

***UPDATE***
Geechie Devain Templeton was arrested on February 8, 2008 in Topeka Kansas and charged with the murder of Gabriel Rodriguez.
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***UPDATE***
On 12-3-2007 a warrant was obtained charging Geechie Devain Templeton for the murder of Gabriel Rodriguez. Templeton is still at large.
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On Friday, November 9 at approx. 9:11 pm 34 year old Gabriel Rodriguez was found dead in his red Dodge Ram pickup which was parked in the east alley of the 3100 blk of Pleasant.  The victim had suffered a gunshot wound to the head with an unknown caliber weapon.

 

 Tanya Michelle May was last seen in Odessa on September 17, 2007. She had come to Odessa to look for a place to stay. On September 18th she was reported missing to the Pecos County Sheriff’s Office. Then on September 27th her body was found in a secluded area under a mesquite bush approx. 17 miles north of Ft Stockton of off FM 1053. Autopsy results indicated she had been stabbed multiple times.
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If you are the first caller with information that leads to the arrest of the person(s) involved in this murder, it will be worth a cash reward. Call Odessa Crime Stoppers at 432-333-TIPS. Or go to our website at 333tips.org and send us a secure tip. You can also contact Ft Stockton Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. You will remain anonymous.

Date: 09/05/2003
OPD Case Number: 03-18022
Victim: Francisco Salas Hidalgo, 42 years old
Location: 3100 Andrews Highway (One Energy Square)
Summary: Officers responded to Rentway regarding a man down. Francisco Hidalgo was located with multiple stab wounds to his neck and left arm in the breezeway. Hidalgo was located by two children who initially thought Hidalgo was asleep. When they noticed blood coming from Hidalgo, they notified Rentway store employees who called police. If you are the first caller with information that leads to the arrest of the person(s) involved in this murder, it will be worth a cash reward. Call Odessa Crime Stoppers at 432-333-TIPS. Or go to our website at 333tips.org and send us a secure tip.  You will remain anonymous

On September 14, 2001, 70 year old Lynn Floyd Moore was found murdered inside his home in the 3700 blk of Dover Street in Odessa, TX. Mr. Moore was found to have suffered one gunshot wound to the upper chest. He was last seen alive in downtown Odessa on September 11, 2001. More formerly owned Mission Well Service and was well known in Odessa.
If you have information on Mr. Moore death call Crime Stoppers at 432-333-TIPS or use our app P3Tips. Remain anonymous.

On the evening of November 17, 1996 the body of B.L. King was found at 807 W. 33rd.  Mr. King died from multiple gunshot wounds.
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If you are the first caller with information that leads to the arrest of the person(s) involved in this murder, it will be worth a cash reward. Call Odessa Crime Stoppers at 432-333-TIPS. Or go to our website at 333tips.org and send us a secure tip.  You will remain anonymous.

Tom Green County Sheriff's Office are seeking the public's assistance in identifying a man whose remains were discovered in December 1996 in Tom Green County. Investigators estimate that the man died in the beginning of November 1996. The cause of death is unknown.
On Dec. 2, 1996, the man's body was found in a pasture in the northern part of Tom Green County near the northeast bank of O.C. Fisher Lake. Based on multiple forensic analyses, the man is believed to be Caucasian, although mixed Hispanic descent should not be ruled out.
A DPS Texas Rangers' forensic artist was able to develop a facial reconstruction image (pictured below) from the skull of the decedent. At the time of his death, he was estimated to be between the ages of 28 and 50, and approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall with a slight frame. His hair was medium-brown or possibly red, although its lightened appearance may have been due to sun exposure before the body was discovered. The hairstyle and length depicted in the facial rendering is an exact likeness to the victim's hair at time of death.

Items found with the victim's remains include:
•White socks and Brahma-brand hiking boots (size 7 ½ )
•Light-blue Levi's-brand 550 relaxed-fit, button-fly jeans with a 31-inch waist, 34-inch length
•A Roundtree and Yorke-brand burgundy pullover sweatshirt (size large)
•An open package of GPC-brand cigarettes
•A green Outdoor Products-brand backpack containing cans of Cougar-brand snuff and assorted toiletries
•On the outside of the upper flap of the backpack the words, "Wayne Rudd Austin, TX. And damn proud of it!" were handwritten in dark marker. Leads related to Texas men with the name Wayne Rudd, or variations of such, have been explored over the years without positive results.

Law enforcement encourages anyone with a missing relative to submit a familial reference sample of DNA by contacting the agency that investigated their relative's disappearance. The process is simple and free, usually consisting of a simple cheek-swabbing; however, it must be done through a law enforcement agency.

Anyone with information about a person similar to this unknown man's description should contact the Tom Green County Sheriff's Office at 325-655-8111 or the DPS Missing Persons Clearinghouse at 800-346-3243 . You can also call Odessa Crime Stoppers at 432-333-TIPS or use our app P3Tips. All callers remain anonymous.
For more information related to this case or to see additional images of items found with the remains, visit the Missing & Unidentified Persons Clearinghouse web page.

Few of us will ever forget the sight of an officer lifting the body of a newborn baby from a trash dumpster in Odessa on July 18, 1996. Homicide investigators have spent hundreds of hours trying to identify this child but have had no success.

 

UPDATE-Suspect was identified and convicted in the death of Denise Christie.

Denise Christie was last seen in the parking lot of a motel at 2nd and West County Road on about January 7, 1994.  Approx. 4 weeks later her body was found in a vacant lot just 2 blocks away. She had been strangled to death.

On the night of July 4, 1993 Steve Brosch was passing thru an area in the 2000 block of Moss Ave. when he saw several grass fires which were threatening near by homes.  As he attempted to help put out the fires, Brosch was struck by a vehicle that left the scene.  He died a short time later from the injuries he sustained.

 

Teresa Wagner was last seen on the night of January 10, 1992 at an Odessa night club partying with friends. 46 days later on February 25th her body was located in west Ector County, about  ½ mile north of I20 near FM 866 on an oilfield lease road. At the time she was 25 years old.
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Her badly decomposed body left few clues for investigators. A tattoo of a Pegasus on the back of her right shoulder would later aid in identifying her. Autopsy reports state her death was a result of an undetermined cause, but investigators strongly believe foul play was involved. An extensive investigation eventually wound up at a stand still.
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Teresa had 2 small children at the time of her death, who are now young adults. They want and deserve to know what happened to their mother. 23 years is a long to wonder and wait.  Someone knows how Teresa ended up in that field and they know what caused her death.
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If you are the first caller with information that leads to the arrest of the person(s) involved in this murder, it will be worth a cash reward. Call Odessa Crime Stoppers at 432-333-TIPS. Or go to our website at 333tips.org and send us a secure tip.  You will remain anonymous.

 

***UPDATE***
On September 14, 2010, Leroy Flores Alaniz was arrested and charged with capital murder in connection with this armed robbery that resulted in the death of Larry Willsey.

On October 8, 1991, Larry Willsey was at the Party House Lounge on West County Road when two masked individuals entered the establishment and robbed several customers at gunpoint. During the robbery Mr. Willsey would not comply with their demands and was beaten severely. He suffered several blows to the head which ultimately led to his death.

CASE UPDATE
In 2019 authorities arrested Thompson Stricklen in connection to the Sexual Assault and Murder of Wendy Burdette.

Stricklen was charged with Sexual Assault and subsequently convicted. He was sentenced to 4 years in prison. As of 2022, there has been no Murder Conviction obtained in this case.

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February 15, 1989 was the last time anyone saw 15 year old Wendy Burdette alive.  A couple of days later a man came across her body on a back lot in the 2800 blk of west 2nd street. Wendy had been stabbed numerous times.
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If you are the first caller with information that leads to the arrest of the person(s) involved in this murder, it will be worth a cash reward. Call Odessa Crime Stoppers at 432-333-TIPS. Or go to our website at odessacrimestoppers.org and send us a secure tip.  You will remain anonymous.

Brenda Kay Van Ginkel’s body was found approx. 50 yards south of 42nd and Comanche in western Ector County on July 30, 1988. She was killed by a gunshot wound to the head and chest.
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If you are the first caller with information that leads to the arrest of the person(s) involved in this murder, it will be worth a cash reward. Call Odessa Crime Stoppers at 432-333-TIPS. Or go to our website at odessacrimestoppers.org and send us a secure tip.  You will remain anonymous.

A man’s body was discovered Nov. 15th, 1987 and was in an advanced state of decomposition. The body was discovered in the Twin Buttes Lake Area of Tom Green County.

The photo, which were based on forensic anthropology and dental examinations, as well as DNA samples, revealed a male about 17 to 27 years of age, Caucasian or possibly Hispanic in ancestry. Additionally, a Forensic Anthropologist was able to tell Investigators that John Doe had suffered from Spina Bifida, which was confined to the Sacral area of the spine. It is possible that “John Doe” did not know he had the defect.
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Anyone with information regarding the identity of this John Doe and this case is asked to contact the Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office, (325) 655-8111 or call Odessa Crime Stoppers at 432-333-TIPS or use our app P3Tips. All callers remain anonymous.
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For more information related to this case or to see additional images of items found with the remains, visit the Missing & Unidentified Persons Clearinghouse web page.

In May 1986, officers from the Odessa Police Department responded to a 911 call at an apartment complex in the 4600 blk. of Oakwood where they found Debra Sue Moore lying in a pool of blood in her living room floor. Apparently Ms. Moore had walked outside and was attacked.  She later died from a stab wound to the chest.
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If you are the first caller with information that leads to the arrest of the person(s) involved in this murder, it will be worth a cash reward. Call Odessa Crime Stoppers at 432-333-TIPS. Or go to our website at 333tips.org and send us a secure tip.  You will remain anonymous.

Date: 04/16/1986
OPD Case Number: 86-034205
Victim: Manuel Abila Brito, 37 years old
Location: 1317 Lindberg Ave.
Summary: Officers responded to 1317 Lindberg Ave. regarding shots fired. Manuel Brito was found in the front yard with multiple gunshot wounds. Odessa Fire Department responded to the scene where Brito was pronounced deceased. Witnesses reported seeing a white 1960’s model Chevrolet fleeing northbound from the area.

If you are the first caller with information that leads to the arrest of the person(s) involved in this murder, it will be worth a cash reward. Call Odessa Crime Stoppers at 432-333-TIPS. Or go to our website at 333tips.org and send us a secure tip.  You will remain anonymous.

On August 21, 1984 officers found the body of Janet Gregston on North East Loop 338.  Mrs. Gregston had been stabbed numerous times.  She was 7 months pregnant.  Gregston had placed an ad in the newspaper for the sale of her car and deputies believe her killer may have been test driving the car when he killed her.

Police released a composite sketch of suspect in the Janet Gregston slaying.
Do you recognize this man ?
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If you are the first caller with information that leads to the arrest of the person(s) involved in this murder, it will be worth a cash reward. Call Odessa Crime Stoppers at 432-333-TIPS. Or go to our website at 333tips.org and send us a secure tip.  You will remain anonymous.

In June of 1984 someone decided Bob Sewell, Jr.'s life would end on an oilfield road in western Ector County. His body was found about five miles from where he lived in the 12000 blk of Citation. He died from multiple gunshot wounds and  appeared to have been beaten.
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If you are the first caller with information that leads to the arrest of the person(s) involved in this murder, it will be worth a cash reward. Call Odessa Crime Stoppers at 432-333-TIPS. Or go to our website at 333tips.org and send us a secure tip.  You will remain anonymous.

On August 4, 1982 investigators discovered the body of 45 year old Alvin Brooks Johnson in a field off Murphy street.  He died from blunt force trauma to the head.
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If you are the first caller with information that leads to the arrest of the person(s) involved in this murder, it will be worth a cash reward. Call Odessa Crime Stoppers at 432-333-TIPS. Or go to our website at 333tips.org and send us a secure tip.  You will remain anonymous.

It has been over 40 years since the brutal slaying of Carmen Croan.  Her body was found on August 23, 1981 on an oilfield lease 12 miles north of FM 1936 and Hwy 158.  Her throat had been cut. She was only 18 years old. Investigators have determined that she may have last been seen in the early morning hours of August 23rd at a nightclub on 8th street.
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If you are the first caller with information that leads to the arrest of the person(s) involved in this murder, it will be worth a cash reward. Call Odessa Crime Stoppers at 432-333-TIPS. Or go to our website at 333tips.org and send us a secure tip.  You will remain anonymous.

Over 40 years ago in December 1979  investigators came across a Chevrolet van parked alongside Hwy 866 about one half mile north of University Blvd. Inside they discovered the body of Sue Brooks Powell. This mother of 5 children had been shot to death.
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If you are the first caller with information that leads to the arrest of the person(s) involved in this murder, it will be worth a cash reward. Call Odessa Crime Stoppers at 432-333-TIPS. Or go to our website at 333tips.org and send us a secure tip.  You will remain anonymous.

Tommie Joe Turner was found slumped in the drivers seat of his car at the Diamond Club on Pearl Street on October 15, 1979. It appeared the victim had been shot once in the head with a large caliber weapon.
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If you are the first caller with information that leads to the arrest of the person(s) involved in this murder, it will be worth a cash reward. Call Odessa Crime Stoppers at 432-333-TIPS. Or go to our website at 333tips.org and send us a secure tip.  You will remain anonymous.

Date: 08/26/1971
OPD Case Number: 71-59907
Victim: Johnye Janell Henderson, 11 years old
Location: 906 Snyder St.
Summary: On August 23, 1971, Johnye Henderson was reported missing from her residence by her mother. On August 26,1971, Henderson’s body was recovered from a vacant lot, near Henderson’s residence. The area surrounding Henderson’s body showed signs consistent with a physical struggle. If you are the first caller with information that leads to the arrest of the person(s) involved in this murder, it will be worth a cash reward. Call Odessa Crime Stoppers at 432-333-TIPS. Or go to our website at 333tips.org and send us a secure tip. 

​ On October 30, 1977. Kenton Lee Hart was found lying in a pool of blood at Bo Weevils Restaurant on east 8th street. The victim had been shot one time in the chest with what appeared to be a small caliber weapon. At the time he was 25 years old.
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If you are the first caller with information that leads to the arrest of the person(s) involved in this murder, it will be worth a cash reward. Call Odessa Crime Stoppers at 432-333-TIPS. Or go to our website at 333tips.org and send us a secure tip.  You will remain anonymous.