New detective assigned to Missy Bevers case

MIDLOTHIAN, Texas - A North Texas murder mystery from nearly two years ago that still gets international attention is entering a new chapter.

On April 18, 2016, Missy Bevers was bludgeoned to death in a Midlothian church as she set up for a fitness class. Now, her case has a new detective.

Police hope that having a new person dedicated to the case will help bring a new perspective. But so far, they've hit a wall in every direction, including with possible suspect DNA.

“Susan Alford is a Midlothian resident. She says she still feels vulnerable knowing Missy’s killer is still walking free.

“It's scary. It's like are they walking around amongst us? Are they here in Midlothian? Where are they?” she said. “It just went quiet. There was a lot of talk and just nothing. And that's kind of disheartening for all of us, especially the family.”

Midlothian police say quiet doesn't mean the case isn't a priority. Veteran Det. Andy Vaughn was involved with the case before. Now, it will be his primary focus.

Police acknowledge the frustration, especially in a case with video from moments before the murder of a suspect wearing police gear with a peculiar walk.

“Police evidence rooms are full of video of unknown people committing crimes,” said Midlothian Asst. Police Chief Kevin Johnson. “It just doesn't work the same way in the police world that it does in TV.”

Police say they get about 10 tips a week. Some tips are from as far as Canada and Australia. They've assembled groups of outside investigators several times to pour over the findings in case they missed something. They even hoped to get a physical profile of the killer using DNA sequencing with a sample from the possible suspect but came to an impasse once again.

“We didn't have the ability to capitalize on that new technology. But obviously as technology changes, that may be something that's available in the future,” Johnson said. “At the end of the day, I think many of us here believe that at some point this killer talked to somebody, and that's the person we want to come forward.”

“Everyone in this town is going to think about it until it's solved,” Alford said. “Maybe not every day like we used to in the beginning, but certainly we all want justice. We all want to find out who it is.”

Missy’s husband, Brandon Bevers released the following statement to FOX 4:

"I am pleased the initial lead investigator was willing to "pass the baton" for a fresh perspective on this. Since this began, all of the folks involved at MPD have exhibited a strong desire for resolution with this case- motivated not only on the basis of duty, but emotionally as well. Open-mindedness, humbleness, humility and determination are at play here. Couple that with their willingness to bring other agencies on board, and everyone's continued prayer, all the right ingredients exist in my opinion."