Galveston County investigators say the murder of 28-year-old Bridgette Gearen of Orange County is not a cold case, five years after it happened.
Gearen's body was found on Crystal Beach on July 15th, 2007 around 6 a.m., six hours after she was reported missing. Gearen's body was found 100 yards from the beach house where she was staying.
Lead investigator Lieutenant Tommy Hansen says the nature of the crime is unique in how quickly Gearen disappeared. But he says investigators are working diligently to piece everything together.
The FBI is assisting the Galveston County Sheriff's Office in the investigation.
Lt. Hansen says they have persons of interest and extraordinarily strong suspects. He adds that people with information may have been lost during Hurricane Ike when many were pushed from their homes.
The Sheriff's office asks anyone with information to come forward.
You can call the Galveston County Sheriff's Office or Beaumont Crime Stoppers at (409) 833-TIPS. There is currently a $16,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. That reward is subject to rise to $25,000.
