Midlothian police still searching for Missy Bevers' killer 3 years later

MIDLOTHIAN, Texas - It’s been three years and there are still no arrests for the murder of a woman in Midlothian, south of Dallas.

Fitness instructor Missy Bevers was bludgeoned to death on the morning of April 18, 2016 after she showed up early at the Creekside Church of Christ in Midlothian to teach a fitness class.

Police released surveillance video of the suspected killer walking through the halls of the church with a hammer. The person was wearing what looked like police tactical gear. Investigators believed someone would recognize his or her distinctive way of walking. They received many tips but none that led to a suspect or arrest.

Additional surveillance video of a silver car circling a nearby business in the hours before Bevers’ death fueled speculation but again didn't point investigators to a suspect.

For the first time on Thursday, police said released an estimated height of the suspect: 5 feet, 8 inches.

Bevers was a wife and mother of three daughters. Her husband, Brandon, and others who knew her came under intense scrutiny early in the investigation but all were eventually cleared.

Police also scoured phone records and social media hoping to develop leads. So far, they've hit a wall in every direction, including with possible suspect DNA.

A new detective was assigned to the case last year to bring a fresh perspective.

“Midlothian police investigators, diligently working with professional outside resources, are determined to see this case reach closure. We continue to follow up on leads and tips as they are developed. We continue to benefit from a number of new, highly advanced investigative techniques,” Midlothian PD said in a statement Thursday.

Police are still encouraging anyone with information to come forward.

“It is our sincere belief that this murder will be solved through collaboration with the public. We believe that somebody who has not yet come forward may have that vital piece of information that to this date unknowingly is being withheld. We appeal to the members of the public, please contact the Midlothian Police Department, regardless of how insignificant they may think their information may be,” the department said.

Bevers' family released a statement last April saying they are comforted by Midlothian PD’s continued efforts to find the killer.

"We are doing better with each passing day, but this date (among others) is tough on many levels. Losing Missy has been very difficult for all of us. The prolonged search for answers is just salt in a life-long wound. The investigation continues and tips still come in daily. The investigators have revealed some ‘out of the box’ thinking on their part which continues to provide us comfort with their efforts. Despite the circumstances, we are very thankful for Midlothian PD's continual hard work,” Brandon Bevers said.

KEY FACTS:

• The suspect seen on surveillance video was wearing “police type gear.” Police are not sure if the gear was real or fake.
• The suspect of unknown gender is estimated to be about 5 feet 8 inches tall.
• In the video, the suspect has a unique walk or gait. The person’s feet appear to turn outward away from the body, especially the right foot. The walk or gait could have been caused by a temporary condition or injury and the suspect may no longer walk this way, police said.
• The vehicle seen circulating the parking lot of a nearby business on the morning of the murders is described as a 2010 to 2012 Nissan Altima, 2010 to 2012 Infinity G37 or similar vehicle.
• Police have received over 2,000 tips to date and are still receiving multiple tips weekly from across the country.
• Anonymous tips are welcome through Crime Stoppers of Ellis County at 972-937-72976 or by texting MIDL and your tip to 847411. Tipsters can also reach out to the department on social media.