Texas cold case murder

Billye Brown, a 66-year-old man from Abilene, Texas, died on July 27, 2024, while awaiting trial for the 1982 murders of his common-law wife, Susanna Flores Brown, and her 8-year-old daughter, Francesca Antionette Martinez. Brown was arrested in October 2023 after DNA evidence linked him to the cold case, which had remained unsolved for over four decades. The victims were found in their home with signs of strangulation, and Brown's demeanor during the 1982 police investigation raised suspicions, as he reportedly appeared 'not overly upset' and made inappropriate comments. His trial was scheduled for September 6, 2024, but now the Taylor County District Attorney's office must decide how to proceed with the pending charges following Brown's death. The Abilene Police Department expressed condolences while reaffirming their commitment to seeking justice for the victims and their families. This case has highlighted the ongoing efforts in resolving cold cases with modern forensic techniques.