Saturday, April 27, 2024
Gatesville police continue their investigation into the assault of an elderly woman after preliminary forensic tests results indicate the incident was a result of a crime. Gatesville Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Unit is working with the Texas Rangers and other law enforcement partners to follow leads in the case.
In a statement issued on Wednesday afternoon, Gatesville police confirm that the scene involved a home intrusion. They believe the woman, who lives alone, might have been assaulted in her home sometime between noon on Saturday, Dec. 9 and 6 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10. As of Wednesday, the woman is still receiving treatment at a regional hospital.
Police say the woman has been unable to speak to investigators. There is no known suspect or motive.
The woman’s injuries warranted further tests to determine if they were caused by a medical issue or crime, according to Gatesville PD’s original statement on Dec. 11. Police Chief Brad Hunt said the results suggest those injuries are consistent with there being a crime committed rather than a medical problem.
When The Messenger asked if any DNA evidence was discovered at the scene, Hunt said they are not able to release details due to potential negative effects on the investigation.
“We are looking into the circumstances that led to this incident,” he said.
Gatesville police responded to the incident on Sunday, Dec. 10 around 6:10 p.m. at a residence on the 200 block of Mulberry Street after receiving a call from the woman’s family friend who found the woman in an “incoherent state” after stopping by the woman’s house to check on her. Gatesville police stated in a media release that the woman was found inside her home in “apparent medical distress.”
Gatesville police officers treated the incident as a crime scene. The release states that the woman was unable to explain the circumstances that led to her medical issue, but the nature of the issue suggested the possibility that a crime had occurred. Police say the identity of the woman will not be released.
Hunt adds that investigators are in close contact with the victim’s family and keeping them updated on the investigation.
Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact Gatesville PD’s Criminal Investigations Unit at 254-865-2226. Callers can submit tips anonymously to Centex Crime Stoppers at 254-865-8477 or online at centexcrimestoppers.org. Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information leading to an arrest.
