Justice For Dovie Dykes: Texas Police Turns To Public For Help In Solving 1986 Murder Case

Police officials in San Angelo, Texas are now turning to the public for help in solving a 1986 cold case of Dovie Dykes, 83, who was found raped and brutally murdered in her home, according to the San Angelo Standard-Times. In the early hours of July 11, 1986, San Angelo Police say a woman, Belle Guess, believed to be the victim’s niece, visited Dyke’s place of residence on Culberson Street and found her dead inside.

A succeeding criminal investigation revealed that one or more suspects forced their way into Dykes’ home and sexually assaulted her before brutally beating her and leaving her to die. Police say the assailant(s) may have stolen several personal items from the victim’s home before fleeing the scene.

Dykes’ remains were transferred to a state medical examiner’s office where the cause of death was determined to be a cardiac arrhythmia, which the victim reportedly experienced during the attack.

The victim’s niece told police officials that before Dykes was found dead in her home, she was concerned about her safety. She stated that there was a suspicious man in her neighbourhood. Dykes apparently thought the man was going to abduct and rape her, according to Guess.

It was not immediately made clear what evidence was collected on the morning Dykes’ body was found, but officials say that a suspect(s) has never been apprehended in connection to the case.

Dykes’ murder remains a cold case 31 years later, and the San Angelo Police are now asking the public for help to get justice for the victim. Authorities are seeking information concerning who may have visited the home during the evening hours of July 10, 1986, through the early hours of July 11, 1986.

Police officials are also seeking information about a person or persons who may have been walking near the victim’s residence or in the neighbourhood in the days leading up to Dykes’ murder.

Anyone with information regarding the cold case is urged to contact the San Angelo Police Department Cold Case Detective Jim Coleman at 325-657-4532 or 277-4503, or you can send an email to coldcase@sanangelopolice.org.

If tipsters want to remain anonymous, you may call SAPD 24 Tip Hotline at 1-855-TIPS-247 or send a text to TIP SAPD, plus your tip information to 888777.

[Featured Image by San Angelo Police Department]