BASTROP COUNTY, Texas – A woman who was murdered by a serial killer 44 years ago in Bastrop County has finally been identified.
The Bastrop County Sheriff’s Office held a press conference Thursday afternoon, where the 22-year-old victim was identified as Kathy Ann Smith, according to KXAN.
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Smith’s body was found June 21, 1979, on Hwy 290, near FM 696, according to officials. When her remains were found, investigators believed her age ranged from 16-40 years.
On June 21, 1979, the Bastrop County Sheriff's Office responded to Hwy 290 near FM 696 in regards to a deceased female...
Posted by Bastrop County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday, July 26, 2023
Investigators have since extracted DNA twice from Smith’s body after it was exhumed in 2019 and 2022, eventually leading to a positive ID, KXAN reports.
Smith’s surviving family members were notified, and they told deputies they were relieved to have clarity on what happened to her 44 years ago, KXAN said.
According to KXAN, deputies said during the news conference a suspect was arrested in the case -- convicted serial killer Henry Lee Lucas, who died while serving his sentence.
We’ll bring more updates as they become available.