June 7, 2024 • 30 mins
Behind the serene facade of a Texas church lies a chilling mystery: the brutal murder of fitness instructor Missy Bevers. In a case riddled with eerie clues and unanswered questions, join us as we delve into the enigmatic circumstances surrounding her tragic death, where every twist seems to deepen the intrigue and every detail hints at a sinister truth waiting to be unveiled.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:00):
A chilling discovery shatters the tranquility of an early morning exercise class at church.
(00:06):
As you step inside, expecting to see your fitness instructor's welcoming smile, you
instead stumble upon a horrifying scene.
Her lifeless body, lying in a pool of blood, this shocking and brutal murder was captured
on the church's security cameras.
Despite this crucial piece of evidence, the case remains shrouded in mystery.
(00:28):
This is the story of the murder of Missy Beavers.
It's an appalling tale of a senseless and likely premeditated killing that continues
to haunt the lives of a small Texan community desperate for answers.
Come along with me for a ride through odd, strange and mysterious, here at Odd Mysteries
Stories.
(00:50):
On the rainy morning of April 18, 2016, Terry Lee Ann Beavers, affectionately known to everyone
as Missy.
Arrived at a church in the small town of Midlothian, Texas.
She was there to teach her regular 5 a.m. exercise class.
Approximately 30 minutes later, one of her students arrived and stumbled upon a gruesome
scene.
(01:10):
Missy's lifeless body.
So far, police have been unable to pin the crime on a single suspect.
In fact, the police aren't even sure whether the killer is a man or a woman.
The murderer remains free as dark secrets and accusations fly.
Missy Beavers, a 45-year-old mother of three, lived with her husband Brandon Beavers in
(01:33):
the small Dallas suburb of Red Oak, Texas.
The couple had been married for 18 years at the time of Missy's tragic death.
Their three young daughters, aged 8, 13 and 15, were left to grapple with the devastating
loss of their mother.
After discovering her passion for fitness, Missy had dedicated her career to working
(01:55):
as a special education teacher.
It wasn't until later in life that she decided to pursue her interest in health and wellness,
earning her certification as a personal trainer in 2015.
Missy then joined Camp Gladiator, a company that organizes outdoor fitness boot camps.
She found her niche teaching these energetic classes at the Creekside Church of Christ
(02:17):
in Midlothian, conveniently located just a 30-minute drive from her home.
Missy's dedication to her new career with Camp Gladiator began to strain her relationships
with her family, particularly with her mother-in-law, Marcia Tucker.
The demanding nature of her job consumed a significant portion of Missy's time and
energy.
(02:38):
Tensions were high a few weeks before the murder when Missy's husband, Brandon, required minor
surgery.
Instead of being by his side, Missy was working, leaving Marcia to accompany Brandon to the
hospital.
As a fitness instructor, Missy was liked by her loyal and dedicated students.
They were undeterred by the demanding 5 a.m. start time of the one-hour full-body workout
(03:03):
class.
However, as I delved deeper into my research, I discovered that Missy had some skeletons
in her closet, a past that would become a crucial factor in the story of her murder.
In 2014, Missy had engaged in an extramarital affair, a transgression that her husband,
Brandon, would later reveal to the press as something the couple had been working to
(03:28):
overcome.
By 2016, rumors circulated that Missy may have been involved in a second affair, or at the
very least engaging in extensive flirtation with another man.
It also seems that her dedication to fitness had morphed into an addiction of sorts.
She spent long hours at the gym, beyond her own classes.
While an affair, extramarital flirtation, or even prolonged absences from home do not
(03:52):
warrant a death sentence, these factors would later be scrutinized in the wake of her murder.
According to leaked copies of police search warrants, the media reported that the Beavers
family had been experiencing financial difficulties around the time of Missy's death.
However, when questioned by reporters, Brandon vehemently denied the existence of any such
(04:14):
issues.
In the days leading up to the murder, police were alerted to some peculiar changes in Missy's
behavior.
Mark Garcia, one of Missy's workout companions from a nearby gym, confided in investigators
that Missy seemed uncharacteristically reserved, a stark contrast to her typically outgoing
(04:37):
personality.
Furthermore, it came to light that roughly two weeks before her untimely death, Missy
had abruptly stopped attending the gym altogether, a notable deviation from her well-established
fitness routine.
Also during this timeframe, evidence suggests that Missy was engaged in text exchanges with
another male fitness instructor named Casey Williams.
(04:58):
These characterized these messages as familiar and flirtatious in nature.
However, authorities have not released any details indicating that these interactions
had developed into a full-fledged affair.
Just three days before her tragic murder, Missy received an unsettling message from someone
she didn't know on LinkedIn.
She shared the message with a friend who agreed that it was indeed disturbing, but it seems
(05:23):
that Missy either deleted the message or simply disregarded it.
Through my research, I discovered that the police requested access from LinkedIn to the
message in question.
However, I couldn't find any further information about it.
The unsettling LinkedIn message raises questions about the state of Missy's life in the days
(05:45):
preceding her murder.
Could this message have been a foreshadow of the impending tragedy?
Were the changes in her behavior, like her sudden absence from the gym and the flirtatious
text messages, be subtle warning signs that something sinister was lurking on the horizon?
(06:05):
Or were these things merely coincidence, bearing no significance to the heinous crime that would
ultimately claim Missy's life?
The story now shifts to the day before the tragic event.
It was a rainy day on April 17, 2016.
The weather forecast predicted continued rain into the following day.
(06:28):
Camp gladiator classes were typically held outdoors, so Missy made alternate arrangements
for her upcoming class.
She took to Facebook to let her students know.
She wrote, if it's raining, we're still training.
No excuses.
You are gladiators.
In her post, she informed them that the class would be moved indoors inside the church.
(06:49):
After that evening, at 9.23pm, Missy shared another update on Facebook.
She announced that she was going to bed because she needed to be up by 3.30am.
In retrospect, some believe that the killer was closely monitoring Missy's social media
activity using the information to plan the heinous act that would unfold just hours later.
(07:14):
Nestled just off Highway 287 in Midlothian, Texas, the Creekside Church of Christ is an
expansive, contemporary building spanning 5,840 square feet.
Midlothian is a tight-knit community of approximately 40,000 residents.
It's primarily known as the hub of the North Texas cement industry.
(07:36):
There isn't typically much violent crime in the town.
Mostly just property offenses and theft.
A far cry from the sinister events that would soon take place within its borders.
Notably, the church is situated a short distance across the highway from a rifle-scope shop
called SWFA Outdoors.
The rear of the church property abuts North Prong Creek and a stretch of undeveloped land,
(08:02):
along with dense clusters of trees.
This secluded area could provide a convenient escape route for the perpetrator, allowing
them to evade detection on foot.
The Creekside Church of Christ had a respectable security system in place, consisting of a
network of outdoor and indoor cameras designed to safeguard the premises.
(08:22):
Tragically, on the day of Missy Beaver's murder, the outdoor cameras were not operational.
The reason behind this malfunction remains a mystery.
It is unclear whether the perpetrator deliberately disabled the cameras, exploited a pre-existing
technical issue, or simply benefited from a fluke coincidence.
This detail casts an even more suspicious light on the crime given the church's reliance
(08:46):
on its surveillance system.
Curiously, the building lacked any supplementary alarm, a fact that the killer may have been
aware of and used to their advantage.
Also, as you will soon discover, the perpetrator exhibited a brazen disregard for the indoor
cameras, suggesting a level of planning and familiarity with the church's security vulnerabilities.
(09:11):
At 3.50 a.m. on the morning of April 18, the suspect clad head to toe in black police riot
gear breached the Creekside Church.
The assailant's attire included a dark, tinted helmet, gloves, a jacket emblazoned with the
word police and black pants, a headlamp, appeared to be affixed to the perpetrator's helmet.
(09:36):
Despite the presence of full-color surveillance cameras, the killer's identity remained concealed.
Their gear effectively obscured their face, identity, and even clues as to whether they
were male or female.
To this day, the authorities remain uncertain whether the outfit was an authentic uniform
or a carefully crafted disguise.
(09:58):
The video footage captures a criminal who seems to be putting on a calculated performance.
The killer meandered through the church, brandishing a claw hammer or pry bar.
Investigators believe that the suspect used this tool to shatter the glass and gain entry
through a side door.
The perpetrator may have also been carrying a phone in their other hand, although the camera
(10:19):
footage does not provide a clear view of this detail.
The killer's movements throughout the church appeared both aimless and deliberate.
The individual opened doors and peered into various rooms before moving on to the next.
They would occasionally test locked internal doors, while bypassing others entirely.
(10:40):
At one point, the killer seemed to make direct eye contact with an interior camera.
This hinted at a level of familiarity with the church's layout and surveillance system.
Was the killer looking for the perfect spot to commit murder or hide the body?
If the killer had any intention of staging a robbery, their efforts were woefully inadequate.
(11:02):
The assailant made no attempt to steal Missy's wedding ring.
They also avoided the church sanctuary, which contained some of the church's most valuable
items.
Cameras record Missy arriving at 4.30 a.m., a mere 40 minutes after the killer's initial
break-in.
She began preparing for the morning's class.
It was not long before she found herself face-to-face with her murderer, who brutally attacked her
(11:27):
with what police believe was a claw hammer.
Missy suffered fatal puncture wounds to her head and chest.
Investigators can sometimes find help in identifying a suspect by the way they walk.
It's known as forensic gait analysis, and it might help determine if a suspect is male
(11:49):
or female, an approximate age range, whether they have a disease, disorder, or other medical
condition, and even whether the suspect may be pregnant.
The killer's distinctive gait is characterized by a noticeable limp.
This clue initially gave police hope that they could quickly narrow down the list of
suspects and solve the crime.
(12:10):
One theory suggests that the limp may have been the result of a temporary injury.
However, police have already ruled out several suspects who had documented foot or leg injuries
on the day the crime was committed.
A temporary injury scenario is particularly concerning, as it implies that the killer's
condition may have healed, making it significantly more challenging to identify a suspect based
(12:36):
on their gait at the time of the murder.
Alternatively, the limp could be indicative of a permanent condition.
Investigators have eliminated several local suspects with chronic leg injuries, including
Missy's father-in-law, Randy Beavers.
Although Randy's gait closely resembled that of the killer, he had an ironclad alibi.
(12:58):
Both he and his wife were in Oceanside, California at the time of the murder, a fact that the
police meticulously verified through cell phone records and travel documentation, while
some have proposed the theory that Randy could have made the round-trip drive to commit the
crime, this scenario seems highly improbable.
(13:20):
Multiple witnesses corroborated Randy's whereabouts and photographs surfaced of Randy and his
wife alongside other people at a golf course in Oceanside on April 17.
The police went as far as contacting the golf course to confirm his presence there on the
day in question.
Some individuals have put forth the notion that the killer was acquainted with Randy
(13:41):
and deliberately mimicked his distinctive gait to cast suspicion upon him.
However, convincingly imitating another person's specific walking pattern is an exceptionally
difficult feat, typically requiring the expertise of a skilled actor.
Another plausible theory says that the killer may have intentionally worn oversized shoes
(14:03):
to further obscure their identity. The ill-fitting footwear could have contributed to the killer's
peculiar walking pattern, adding another layer of complexity to the investigation.
An alternative hypothesis suggests that the killer simply adopted a limp as an additional
means of concealing their identity without necessarily imitating any specific individual.
(14:27):
One of the most intriguing aspects of this case is the compelling evidence suggesting
that the killer might have been a woman.
Police have described the killer's gait as possessing a distinctly feminine quality,
with some observers even likening the assailants' walk to that of a pregnant woman.
(14:47):
The killer was not the only individual captured on camera that night.
Security footage reveals a silver car recorded at 2 a.m. meandering around in the nearby
gunshot parking lot.
It had reflective license plates, causing the glare from the brake lights and street
lights to obscure the plate number. The plates appear little more than a white glow.
(15:08):
The camera system itself was black and white, further complicating efforts to see details
about the vehicle.
The car maneuvered slowly, intermittently turning its lights on and off. At one point,
the driver briefly parked. Before ultimately exiting the parking lot, this erratic behavior
could be entirely unrelated to the murder, or it could hold several significant implications.
(15:31):
For instance, the gunshot may have been the original target for robbery, or maybe the
car belonged to a lost traveler.
Another possibility is that the killer was scouting for a nearby parking spot that was
not monitored by surveillance cameras. Notably, there is no video footage capturing the killer
exiting a vehicle or approaching the church, and there is also no footage providing a clear
(15:56):
view of the person driving the silver car.
The spouse of a murder victim is nearly always one of the first suspects, and Brandon Beavers
was no exception. However, Brandon had an airtight alibi. He was away on a fishing trip in Mississippi.
Police verified his alibi by checking with the airlines and by performing a cell phone
(16:19):
dump to verify his phone's location. A few investigators drove to Biloxi to confirm
that Brandon was there at the time of the murder. Some people have suggested that Brandon
hired a killer and then arranged to have a convenient alibi for that day. But the FBI
studied Brandon's accounts. There were no large or unusual deposits or withdrawals that
(16:41):
might have indicated a payout to a killer for hire. Brandon was one of the first suspects
eliminated, but there have been many more. Police issued a warrant to AT&T and later
pulled nine telephone numbers of interest. If the owner of any of those phone numbers
is still a suspect, it's one they don't have enough evidence to arrest. Also, recall that
(17:02):
police got warrants for LinkedIn data. In other warrants, police spoke of financial
and marital problems that the Beavers were having. Brandon denied any financial issues,
and the statement may have been made primarily to convince a judge to issue a warrant in
the first place. Either way, police later told the press that they did not believe
(17:24):
financial problems were related to Missy's death.
Another red herring came in the form of a woman's white long-sleeve shirt that Randy
Beavers dropped off at the cleaners. Missy's sister-in-law, Christy Stout, told police and
reporters that two dogs had fought in her kitchen, and one dog had died. Sure enough,
(17:46):
police conducted DNA testing on the shirt and found that the blood belonged to animals.
Many have held on to the bloody shirt as a clue anyway, but it's worth remembering that
any blood from Missy's murder wouldn't be on a white shirt. It would be on the black
swat-style police gear the killer was wearing. The police would receive over 3,000 tips,
(18:13):
many of which were unverifiable. A lot of them came from the true crime community. Thanks
to this being a very recent case with a victim having a strong social media presence, a wealth
of armchair sleuths have launched their own investigations, some have even harassed and
doxxed members of the community. One report spoke of a likely podcaster stealing a possible
(18:35):
suspect's trash. Police have followed up on every tip, even the ones generated by podcasters.
They've cleared many of the podcasters' favorite suspects. At this point, the police have said
that these amateur detectives are hindering their efforts, which is an ongoing investigation
and not a cold case. However, out of respect for the true crime community, I won't call
(18:57):
out anyone specific as I begin sharing theories about this crime.
Although the police initially suspected the killer to be a man, they quickly acknowledged
that there may be good reason to believe it was a woman. The brutal nature of the murder,
with Missy being viciously beaten with a claw hammer, suggests a deeply personal motive,
(19:19):
potentially driven by a thirst for revenge. It's important to note that this theory may
diverge significantly from the others. And my research yielded limited supporting evidence.
But this doesn't mean that investigators haven't already dug deep into the lives of the men
with whom Missy may have been involved. As I previously mentioned, she had engaged in
(19:40):
at least one confirmed affair and possibly a second. Plus, there are indications that
she may have been overly flirtatious with at least one other man. It is crucial to emphasize
that discussing these aspects of her life is not intended to assign blame to the victim,
but rather to acknowledge the known details of her personal circumstances. I sincerely
(20:05):
hope that the investigators have meticulously examined and cleared the women who may have
been romantically linked to these men during the time of the alleged affairs and flirtatious
incidents. The video evidence does not conclusively prove that the killer was specifically a man
leaving room for alternative theories. Is it possible that Missy may have angered another
(20:29):
man's spouse so much that she felt compelled to kill Missy in an act of retribution? The
choice of murder weapon, a claw hammer, seems to fit this speculation. After all, hell hath
no fury like a woman scorned. The fact that a mysterious stranger sent Missy an ominous
(20:53):
social media message three days before the murder is difficult to ignore. Missy showed
the message to one of her friends who agreed it was disturbing, but the friend couldn't
remember the name of the person who sent the message, which may have been fake anyway.
If police know who it was, they have not shared the information with the public. Missy's uneasiness
(21:17):
at her favorite gym could indicate that she was having trouble with someone there. Perhaps
she was fending off unwanted attention. Someone who was stalking her at the gym may well have
attempted to scare her with the social media message as well. It is conceivable that Missy
may have inadvertently attracted the attention of a mentally unstable stalker who, upon
(21:39):
being rejected, made the fateful decision to end her life. There are indications that Missy's
affairs were an open secret within the closed-knit community, suggesting that her personal life
was subject to public scrutiny and potential judgment. Tragically, there are individuals
who subscribe to the misguided and dangerous belief that any woman perceived as promiscuous
(22:04):
is a legitimate target for their advances or aggression. These individuals may become
enraged when a woman they view as sexually active rebuffs their advances, employing a
twisted logic that if she engages in intimate relationships with other men, she should be
willing to do the same with them. If this theory holds true, Missy's killer would not be the
(22:26):
first to take a woman's life as retribution for romantic rejection, as such heinous crimes
are, regrettably, all too common in our society.
Rejection is not the sole reason that drives some individuals to commit murder. Breakup
killings are also alarmingly common. Is it possible that Missy ended an affair, thereby
(22:52):
inciting the rage of a former lover? While the media has only reported on one or two
of Missy's affairs, there may have been others that have not come to light. Within the true
crime community, some of Missy's former lovers or flirtations have emerged as leading suspects.
However, the police have cleared nearly all of them. If the authorities continue to harbor
(23:15):
suspicions about one of these individuals, they may lack sufficient evidence to secure
a conviction at this time. The police have gone so far as to collect garbage from certain
suspects, and it has been revealed that at least one of them owned a silver car matching
the make and model police seek based on the camera footage, but no further details have
(23:38):
been released. Is it conceivable that Missy found herself in trouble over one of her extramarital
relationships?
The presence of the vehicle at the SWFA gun shop has prompted some individuals to question
whether two people were involved in the crime rather than just one. According to this theory,
(24:00):
the driver of the silver vehicle acted as a lookout and getaway driver, circling the
area while the killer roamed inside the church and lay in wait for Missy. The two murderers
theory is most frequently mentioned in connection with a couple who own a local business and
who may have had a financial motive for the crime. There are numerous instances where
(24:22):
struggling businesses have resorted to unethical practices to ensure their survival. However,
murder would undoubtedly be an extreme measure. There have also been murmurs of a potential
business deal in which Missy was involved, but the particulars of this arrangement are
difficult to ascertain, and no one has openly acknowledged their interest in partnering
(24:42):
with Missy in this capacity. Is it too implausible to consider the possibility that a second
person could be culpable? Have you entertained the notion that the motive behind the crime
may have been financial rather than romantic?
Since the tragic event, Missy's husband, Brandon, has changed his own theory about the murder.
(25:06):
Initially, he asserted that the perpetrator had to be someone who knew Missy. However,
many years later, he has been quoted as saying that he now believes the murder was entirely
random and untargeted. While most people assume that Missy was the intended target, it's
conceivable that something else was at play. Perhaps the SWFA gun shop was the original
(25:27):
objective and the SWAT gear was selected for an SWFA robbery. And when the killer abandoned
the gun shop, perhaps robbing the church served as a poor substitute. According to this theory,
the killer did not anticipate encountering Missy and panicked when they ultimately did.
There are weaknesses in this theory, primarily that the killer did not take anything of value
(25:50):
from the church and didn't even appear to try to find anything worth taking. It's also
worth noting that the gun shop was located on the opposite side of the highway from the
church and some distance down the road. It was not immediately next door. Therefore,
it would seem peculiar for the killer to randomly attempt their luck at the church after abandoning
(26:11):
their plans at the shop. Plus, the killer did not ultimately rob the church. The events
in the gun shop parking lot and the murder at the church may not be connected at all.
However, individuals who commit these types of crimes do not always act with any apparent
logic or reason that most of us can comprehend. The choice of weapon used in Missy's murder
(26:32):
has piqued my curiosity. Based on my research, the killer used either a claw hammer or a type
of crowbar, considering that Missy was likely caught off guard and unarmed. The choice of
such an unconventional weapon raises, questioned. In Texas, obtaining a firearm is relatively
straightforward, although it might be more easily traceable. However, wooden a knife
(26:54):
or a bladed instrument such as a machete seem more lethal than a claw hammer. Both require
the killer to be in close proximity to the victim during the attack. In my opinion, the
choice of weapon is quite peculiar, especially if the murder was premeditated. Is it possible
the killer was planning to leave soon and that Missy would still be alive had she gotten
(27:16):
there just a few minutes later? A full-time detective remains assigned to the Missy Beaver's
case working alongside a part-time retired investigator. Law enforcement continues to
pursue leads and tips demonstrating their ongoing commitment to solving this heinous
(27:36):
crime. In a touching tribute, members of the community planted a Missy Beaver's memorial
tree in Kimmel Park, located near the church where the tragedy occurred. A striking red
billboard has been erected by the side of the road, featuring a photograph of Missy's
face on one side and an image of the killer in their swat gear on the other. Local businesses
(27:59):
have come together to offer a reward for information leading to the killer's arrest,
while a fund has been established to support Missy's daughters in their pursuit of higher
education. In contrast, Brandon Beaver's and his daughters seem to have lost hope in attaining
justice. Brandon has revealed that his daughters have expressed a desire to move on, stating
(28:21):
that they no longer wish for the killer to be found as they fear reliving the trauma
during a potential trial. Brandon himself has declared his intention to move forward
and has discontinued his interactions with the media. Despite this, the police remain
steadfast in their search for credible tips. Verifiable, concrete, and valuable information
(28:43):
from individuals who may have a direct connection to the case. They have had to navigate through
a plethora of wild internet speculation over the years, and they now seek more substantive
leads. If you possess credible information, please contact Crime Stoppers to assist in
the ongoing investigation. What are your thoughts on this baffling murder mystery?
(29:06):
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(29:30):
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(29:54):
so don't hesitate to reach out to me. In the next episode, I'll share the odd mysterious
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(30:14):
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(30:40):
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A chilling discovery shatters the tranquility of an early morning exercise class at church.
(00:06):
As you step inside, expecting to see your fitness instructor's welcoming smile, you
instead stumble upon a horrifying scene.
Her lifeless body, lying in a pool of blood, this shocking and brutal murder was captured
on the church's security cameras.
Despite this crucial piece of evidence, the case remains shrouded in mystery.
(00:28):
This is the story of the murder of Missy Beavers.
It's an appalling tale of a senseless and likely premeditated killing that continues
to haunt the lives of a small Texan community desperate for answers.
Come along with me for a ride through odd, strange and mysterious, here at Odd Mysteries
Stories.
(00:50):
On the rainy morning of April 18, 2016, Terry Lee Ann Beavers, affectionately known to everyone
as Missy.
Arrived at a church in the small town of Midlothian, Texas.
She was there to teach her regular 5 a.m. exercise class.
Approximately 30 minutes later, one of her students arrived and stumbled upon a gruesome
scene.
(01:10):
Missy's lifeless body.
So far, police have been unable to pin the crime on a single suspect.
In fact, the police aren't even sure whether the killer is a man or a woman.
The murderer remains free as dark secrets and accusations fly.
Missy Beavers, a 45-year-old mother of three, lived with her husband Brandon Beavers in
(01:33):
the small Dallas suburb of Red Oak, Texas.
The couple had been married for 18 years at the time of Missy's tragic death.
Their three young daughters, aged 8, 13 and 15, were left to grapple with the devastating
loss of their mother.
After discovering her passion for fitness, Missy had dedicated her career to working
(01:55):
as a special education teacher.
It wasn't until later in life that she decided to pursue her interest in health and wellness,
earning her certification as a personal trainer in 2015.
Missy then joined Camp Gladiator, a company that organizes outdoor fitness boot camps.
She found her niche teaching these energetic classes at the Creekside Church of Christ
(02:17):
in Midlothian, conveniently located just a 30-minute drive from her home.
Missy's dedication to her new career with Camp Gladiator began to strain her relationships
with her family, particularly with her mother-in-law, Marcia Tucker.
The demanding nature of her job consumed a significant portion of Missy's time and
energy.
(02:38):
Tensions were high a few weeks before the murder when Missy's husband, Brandon, required minor
surgery.
Instead of being by his side, Missy was working, leaving Marcia to accompany Brandon to the
hospital.
As a fitness instructor, Missy was liked by her loyal and dedicated students.
They were undeterred by the demanding 5 a.m. start time of the one-hour full-body workout
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class.
However, as I delved deeper into my research, I discovered that Missy had some skeletons
in her closet, a past that would become a crucial factor in the story of her murder.
In 2014, Missy had engaged in an extramarital affair, a transgression that her husband,
Brandon, would later reveal to the press as something the couple had been working to
(03:28):
overcome.
By 2016, rumors circulated that Missy may have been involved in a second affair, or at the
very least engaging in extensive flirtation with another man.
It also seems that her dedication to fitness had morphed into an addiction of sorts.
She spent long hours at the gym, beyond her own classes.
While an affair, extramarital flirtation, or even prolonged absences from home do not
(03:52):
warrant a death sentence, these factors would later be scrutinized in the wake of her murder.
According to leaked copies of police search warrants, the media reported that the Beavers
family had been experiencing financial difficulties around the time of Missy's death.
However, when questioned by reporters, Brandon vehemently denied the existence of any such
(04:14):
issues.
In the days leading up to the murder, police were alerted to some peculiar changes in Missy's
behavior.
Mark Garcia, one of Missy's workout companions from a nearby gym, confided in investigators
that Missy seemed uncharacteristically reserved, a stark contrast to her typically outgoing
(04:37):
personality.
Furthermore, it came to light that roughly two weeks before her untimely death, Missy
had abruptly stopped attending the gym altogether, a notable deviation from her well-established
fitness routine.
Also during this timeframe, evidence suggests that Missy was engaged in text exchanges with
another male fitness instructor named Casey Williams.
(04:58):
These characterized these messages as familiar and flirtatious in nature.
However, authorities have not released any details indicating that these interactions
had developed into a full-fledged affair.
Just three days before her tragic murder, Missy received an unsettling message from someone
she didn't know on LinkedIn.
She shared the message with a friend who agreed that it was indeed disturbing, but it seems
(05:23):
that Missy either deleted the message or simply disregarded it.
Through my research, I discovered that the police requested access from LinkedIn to the
message in question.
However, I couldn't find any further information about it.
The unsettling LinkedIn message raises questions about the state of Missy's life in the days
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preceding her murder.
Could this message have been a foreshadow of the impending tragedy?
Were the changes in her behavior, like her sudden absence from the gym and the flirtatious
text messages, be subtle warning signs that something sinister was lurking on the horizon?
(06:05):
Or were these things merely coincidence, bearing no significance to the heinous crime that would
ultimately claim Missy's life?
The story now shifts to the day before the tragic event.
It was a rainy day on April 17, 2016.
The weather forecast predicted continued rain into the following day.
(06:28):
Camp gladiator classes were typically held outdoors, so Missy made alternate arrangements
for her upcoming class.
She took to Facebook to let her students know.
She wrote, if it's raining, we're still training.
No excuses.
You are gladiators.
In her post, she informed them that the class would be moved indoors inside the church.
(06:49):
After that evening, at 9.23pm, Missy shared another update on Facebook.
She announced that she was going to bed because she needed to be up by 3.30am.
In retrospect, some believe that the killer was closely monitoring Missy's social media
activity using the information to plan the heinous act that would unfold just hours later.
(07:14):
Nestled just off Highway 287 in Midlothian, Texas, the Creekside Church of Christ is an
expansive, contemporary building spanning 5,840 square feet.
Midlothian is a tight-knit community of approximately 40,000 residents.
It's primarily known as the hub of the North Texas cement industry.
(07:36):
There isn't typically much violent crime in the town.
Mostly just property offenses and theft.
A far cry from the sinister events that would soon take place within its borders.
Notably, the church is situated a short distance across the highway from a rifle-scope shop
called SWFA Outdoors.
The rear of the church property abuts North Prong Creek and a stretch of undeveloped land,
(08:02):
along with dense clusters of trees.
This secluded area could provide a convenient escape route for the perpetrator, allowing
them to evade detection on foot.
The Creekside Church of Christ had a respectable security system in place, consisting of a
network of outdoor and indoor cameras designed to safeguard the premises.
(08:22):
Tragically, on the day of Missy Beaver's murder, the outdoor cameras were not operational.
The reason behind this malfunction remains a mystery.
It is unclear whether the perpetrator deliberately disabled the cameras, exploited a pre-existing
technical issue, or simply benefited from a fluke coincidence.
This detail casts an even more suspicious light on the crime given the church's reliance
(08:46):
on its surveillance system.
Curiously, the building lacked any supplementary alarm, a fact that the killer may have been
aware of and used to their advantage.
Also, as you will soon discover, the perpetrator exhibited a brazen disregard for the indoor
cameras, suggesting a level of planning and familiarity with the church's security vulnerabilities.
(09:11):
At 3.50 a.m. on the morning of April 18, the suspect clad head to toe in black police riot
gear breached the Creekside Church.
The assailant's attire included a dark, tinted helmet, gloves, a jacket emblazoned with the
word police and black pants, a headlamp, appeared to be affixed to the perpetrator's helmet.
(09:36):
Despite the presence of full-color surveillance cameras, the killer's identity remained concealed.
Their gear effectively obscured their face, identity, and even clues as to whether they
were male or female.
To this day, the authorities remain uncertain whether the outfit was an authentic uniform
or a carefully crafted disguise.
(09:58):
The video footage captures a criminal who seems to be putting on a calculated performance.
The killer meandered through the church, brandishing a claw hammer or pry bar.
Investigators believe that the suspect used this tool to shatter the glass and gain entry
through a side door.
The perpetrator may have also been carrying a phone in their other hand, although the camera
(10:19):
footage does not provide a clear view of this detail.
The killer's movements throughout the church appeared both aimless and deliberate.
The individual opened doors and peered into various rooms before moving on to the next.
They would occasionally test locked internal doors, while bypassing others entirely.
(10:40):
At one point, the killer seemed to make direct eye contact with an interior camera.
This hinted at a level of familiarity with the church's layout and surveillance system.
Was the killer looking for the perfect spot to commit murder or hide the body?
If the killer had any intention of staging a robbery, their efforts were woefully inadequate.
(11:02):
The assailant made no attempt to steal Missy's wedding ring.
They also avoided the church sanctuary, which contained some of the church's most valuable
items.
Cameras record Missy arriving at 4.30 a.m., a mere 40 minutes after the killer's initial
break-in.
She began preparing for the morning's class.
It was not long before she found herself face-to-face with her murderer, who brutally attacked her
(11:27):
with what police believe was a claw hammer.
Missy suffered fatal puncture wounds to her head and chest.
Investigators can sometimes find help in identifying a suspect by the way they walk.
It's known as forensic gait analysis, and it might help determine if a suspect is male
(11:49):
or female, an approximate age range, whether they have a disease, disorder, or other medical
condition, and even whether the suspect may be pregnant.
The killer's distinctive gait is characterized by a noticeable limp.
This clue initially gave police hope that they could quickly narrow down the list of
suspects and solve the crime.
(12:10):
One theory suggests that the limp may have been the result of a temporary injury.
However, police have already ruled out several suspects who had documented foot or leg injuries
on the day the crime was committed.
A temporary injury scenario is particularly concerning, as it implies that the killer's
condition may have healed, making it significantly more challenging to identify a suspect based
(12:36):
on their gait at the time of the murder.
Alternatively, the limp could be indicative of a permanent condition.
Investigators have eliminated several local suspects with chronic leg injuries, including
Missy's father-in-law, Randy Beavers.
Although Randy's gait closely resembled that of the killer, he had an ironclad alibi.
(12:58):
Both he and his wife were in Oceanside, California at the time of the murder, a fact that the
police meticulously verified through cell phone records and travel documentation, while
some have proposed the theory that Randy could have made the round-trip drive to commit the
crime, this scenario seems highly improbable.
(13:20):
Multiple witnesses corroborated Randy's whereabouts and photographs surfaced of Randy and his
wife alongside other people at a golf course in Oceanside on April 17.
The police went as far as contacting the golf course to confirm his presence there on the
day in question.
Some individuals have put forth the notion that the killer was acquainted with Randy
(13:41):
and deliberately mimicked his distinctive gait to cast suspicion upon him.
However, convincingly imitating another person's specific walking pattern is an exceptionally
difficult feat, typically requiring the expertise of a skilled actor.
Another plausible theory says that the killer may have intentionally worn oversized shoes
(14:03):
to further obscure their identity. The ill-fitting footwear could have contributed to the killer's
peculiar walking pattern, adding another layer of complexity to the investigation.
An alternative hypothesis suggests that the killer simply adopted a limp as an additional
means of concealing their identity without necessarily imitating any specific individual.
(14:27):
One of the most intriguing aspects of this case is the compelling evidence suggesting
that the killer might have been a woman.
Police have described the killer's gait as possessing a distinctly feminine quality,
with some observers even likening the assailants' walk to that of a pregnant woman.
(14:47):
The killer was not the only individual captured on camera that night.
Security footage reveals a silver car recorded at 2 a.m. meandering around in the nearby
gunshot parking lot.
It had reflective license plates, causing the glare from the brake lights and street
lights to obscure the plate number. The plates appear little more than a white glow.
(15:08):
The camera system itself was black and white, further complicating efforts to see details
about the vehicle.
The car maneuvered slowly, intermittently turning its lights on and off. At one point,
the driver briefly parked. Before ultimately exiting the parking lot, this erratic behavior
could be entirely unrelated to the murder, or it could hold several significant implications.
(15:31):
For instance, the gunshot may have been the original target for robbery, or maybe the
car belonged to a lost traveler.
Another possibility is that the killer was scouting for a nearby parking spot that was
not monitored by surveillance cameras. Notably, there is no video footage capturing the killer
exiting a vehicle or approaching the church, and there is also no footage providing a clear
(15:56):
view of the person driving the silver car.
The spouse of a murder victim is nearly always one of the first suspects, and Brandon Beavers
was no exception. However, Brandon had an airtight alibi. He was away on a fishing trip in Mississippi.
Police verified his alibi by checking with the airlines and by performing a cell phone
(16:19):
dump to verify his phone's location. A few investigators drove to Biloxi to confirm
that Brandon was there at the time of the murder. Some people have suggested that Brandon
hired a killer and then arranged to have a convenient alibi for that day. But the FBI
studied Brandon's accounts. There were no large or unusual deposits or withdrawals that
(16:41):
might have indicated a payout to a killer for hire. Brandon was one of the first suspects
eliminated, but there have been many more. Police issued a warrant to AT&T and later
pulled nine telephone numbers of interest. If the owner of any of those phone numbers
is still a suspect, it's one they don't have enough evidence to arrest. Also, recall that
(17:02):
police got warrants for LinkedIn data. In other warrants, police spoke of financial
and marital problems that the Beavers were having. Brandon denied any financial issues,
and the statement may have been made primarily to convince a judge to issue a warrant in
the first place. Either way, police later told the press that they did not believe
(17:24):
financial problems were related to Missy's death.
Another red herring came in the form of a woman's white long-sleeve shirt that Randy
Beavers dropped off at the cleaners. Missy's sister-in-law, Christy Stout, told police and
reporters that two dogs had fought in her kitchen, and one dog had died. Sure enough,
(17:46):
police conducted DNA testing on the shirt and found that the blood belonged to animals.
Many have held on to the bloody shirt as a clue anyway, but it's worth remembering that
any blood from Missy's murder wouldn't be on a white shirt. It would be on the black
swat-style police gear the killer was wearing. The police would receive over 3,000 tips,
(18:13):
many of which were unverifiable. A lot of them came from the true crime community. Thanks
to this being a very recent case with a victim having a strong social media presence, a wealth
of armchair sleuths have launched their own investigations, some have even harassed and
doxxed members of the community. One report spoke of a likely podcaster stealing a possible
(18:35):
suspect's trash. Police have followed up on every tip, even the ones generated by podcasters.
They've cleared many of the podcasters' favorite suspects. At this point, the police have said
that these amateur detectives are hindering their efforts, which is an ongoing investigation
and not a cold case. However, out of respect for the true crime community, I won't call
(18:57):
out anyone specific as I begin sharing theories about this crime.
Although the police initially suspected the killer to be a man, they quickly acknowledged
that there may be good reason to believe it was a woman. The brutal nature of the murder,
with Missy being viciously beaten with a claw hammer, suggests a deeply personal motive,
(19:19):
potentially driven by a thirst for revenge. It's important to note that this theory may
diverge significantly from the others. And my research yielded limited supporting evidence.
But this doesn't mean that investigators haven't already dug deep into the lives of the men
with whom Missy may have been involved. As I previously mentioned, she had engaged in
(19:40):
at least one confirmed affair and possibly a second. Plus, there are indications that
she may have been overly flirtatious with at least one other man. It is crucial to emphasize
that discussing these aspects of her life is not intended to assign blame to the victim,
but rather to acknowledge the known details of her personal circumstances. I sincerely
(20:05):
hope that the investigators have meticulously examined and cleared the women who may have
been romantically linked to these men during the time of the alleged affairs and flirtatious
incidents. The video evidence does not conclusively prove that the killer was specifically a man
leaving room for alternative theories. Is it possible that Missy may have angered another
(20:29):
man's spouse so much that she felt compelled to kill Missy in an act of retribution? The
choice of murder weapon, a claw hammer, seems to fit this speculation. After all, hell hath
no fury like a woman scorned. The fact that a mysterious stranger sent Missy an ominous
(20:53):
social media message three days before the murder is difficult to ignore. Missy showed
the message to one of her friends who agreed it was disturbing, but the friend couldn't
remember the name of the person who sent the message, which may have been fake anyway.
If police know who it was, they have not shared the information with the public. Missy's uneasiness
(21:17):
at her favorite gym could indicate that she was having trouble with someone there. Perhaps
she was fending off unwanted attention. Someone who was stalking her at the gym may well have
attempted to scare her with the social media message as well. It is conceivable that Missy
may have inadvertently attracted the attention of a mentally unstable stalker who, upon
(21:39):
being rejected, made the fateful decision to end her life. There are indications that Missy's
affairs were an open secret within the closed-knit community, suggesting that her personal life
was subject to public scrutiny and potential judgment. Tragically, there are individuals
who subscribe to the misguided and dangerous belief that any woman perceived as promiscuous
(22:04):
is a legitimate target for their advances or aggression. These individuals may become
enraged when a woman they view as sexually active rebuffs their advances, employing a
twisted logic that if she engages in intimate relationships with other men, she should be
willing to do the same with them. If this theory holds true, Missy's killer would not be the
(22:26):
first to take a woman's life as retribution for romantic rejection, as such heinous crimes
are, regrettably, all too common in our society.
Rejection is not the sole reason that drives some individuals to commit murder. Breakup
killings are also alarmingly common. Is it possible that Missy ended an affair, thereby
(22:52):
inciting the rage of a former lover? While the media has only reported on one or two
of Missy's affairs, there may have been others that have not come to light. Within the true
crime community, some of Missy's former lovers or flirtations have emerged as leading suspects.
However, the police have cleared nearly all of them. If the authorities continue to harbor
(23:15):
suspicions about one of these individuals, they may lack sufficient evidence to secure
a conviction at this time. The police have gone so far as to collect garbage from certain
suspects, and it has been revealed that at least one of them owned a silver car matching
the make and model police seek based on the camera footage, but no further details have
(23:38):
been released. Is it conceivable that Missy found herself in trouble over one of her extramarital
relationships?
The presence of the vehicle at the SWFA gun shop has prompted some individuals to question
whether two people were involved in the crime rather than just one. According to this theory,
(24:00):
the driver of the silver vehicle acted as a lookout and getaway driver, circling the
area while the killer roamed inside the church and lay in wait for Missy. The two murderers
theory is most frequently mentioned in connection with a couple who own a local business and
who may have had a financial motive for the crime. There are numerous instances where
(24:22):
struggling businesses have resorted to unethical practices to ensure their survival. However,
murder would undoubtedly be an extreme measure. There have also been murmurs of a potential
business deal in which Missy was involved, but the particulars of this arrangement are
difficult to ascertain, and no one has openly acknowledged their interest in partnering
(24:42):
with Missy in this capacity. Is it too implausible to consider the possibility that a second
person could be culpable? Have you entertained the notion that the motive behind the crime
may have been financial rather than romantic?
Since the tragic event, Missy's husband, Brandon, has changed his own theory about the murder.
(25:06):
Initially, he asserted that the perpetrator had to be someone who knew Missy. However,
many years later, he has been quoted as saying that he now believes the murder was entirely
random and untargeted. While most people assume that Missy was the intended target, it's
conceivable that something else was at play. Perhaps the SWFA gun shop was the original
(25:27):
objective and the SWAT gear was selected for an SWFA robbery. And when the killer abandoned
the gun shop, perhaps robbing the church served as a poor substitute. According to this theory,
the killer did not anticipate encountering Missy and panicked when they ultimately did.
There are weaknesses in this theory, primarily that the killer did not take anything of value
(25:50):
from the church and didn't even appear to try to find anything worth taking. It's also
worth noting that the gun shop was located on the opposite side of the highway from the
church and some distance down the road. It was not immediately next door. Therefore,
it would seem peculiar for the killer to randomly attempt their luck at the church after abandoning
(26:11):
their plans at the shop. Plus, the killer did not ultimately rob the church. The events
in the gun shop parking lot and the murder at the church may not be connected at all.
However, individuals who commit these types of crimes do not always act with any apparent
logic or reason that most of us can comprehend. The choice of weapon used in Missy's murder
(26:32):
has piqued my curiosity. Based on my research, the killer used either a claw hammer or a type
of crowbar, considering that Missy was likely caught off guard and unarmed. The choice of
such an unconventional weapon raises, questioned. In Texas, obtaining a firearm is relatively
straightforward, although it might be more easily traceable. However, wooden a knife
(26:54):
or a bladed instrument such as a machete seem more lethal than a claw hammer. Both require
the killer to be in close proximity to the victim during the attack. In my opinion, the
choice of weapon is quite peculiar, especially if the murder was premeditated. Is it possible
the killer was planning to leave soon and that Missy would still be alive had she gotten
(27:16):
there just a few minutes later? A full-time detective remains assigned to the Missy Beaver's
case working alongside a part-time retired investigator. Law enforcement continues to
pursue leads and tips demonstrating their ongoing commitment to solving this heinous
(27:36):
crime. In a touching tribute, members of the community planted a Missy Beaver's memorial
tree in Kimmel Park, located near the church where the tragedy occurred. A striking red
billboard has been erected by the side of the road, featuring a photograph of Missy's
face on one side and an image of the killer in their swat gear on the other. Local businesses
(27:59):
have come together to offer a reward for information leading to the killer's arrest,
while a fund has been established to support Missy's daughters in their pursuit of higher
education. In contrast, Brandon Beaver's and his daughters seem to have lost hope in attaining
justice. Brandon has revealed that his daughters have expressed a desire to move on, stating
(28:21):
that they no longer wish for the killer to be found as they fear reliving the trauma
during a potential trial. Brandon himself has declared his intention to move forward
and has discontinued his interactions with the media. Despite this, the police remain
steadfast in their search for credible tips. Verifiable, concrete, and valuable information
(28:43):
from individuals who may have a direct connection to the case. They have had to navigate through
a plethora of wild internet speculation over the years, and they now seek more substantive
leads. If you possess credible information, please contact Crime Stoppers to assist in
the ongoing investigation. What are your thoughts on this baffling murder mystery?
(29:06):
I want you to know that listeners like you are the most important people to odd mystery
stories. Thank you so much for listening to this story. I hope you would please consider
subscribing to my podcast. If you know of a story that is unsolved, strange, odd, and
of course mysterious, I invite you to share the known details of that story with me. You
(29:30):
can either go to one of my social media accounts like Facebook or Twitter, or you can simply
email me at the following email address with no spaces odd mysteries the number four and
the letter you at gmail.com. Again, that email address is with no spaces odd mysteries the
number four and the letter you at gmail.com. I will do my very best to answer all messages,
(29:54):
so don't hesitate to reach out to me. In the next episode, I'll share the odd mysterious
story of the Keddie Cabin murders. Can you imagine a killing so brutal, so chilling,
and so deep with questions, lies, and coverups that it has the power to turn an entire community
against one another? This story will dive into what it's like to become afraid of your
(30:14):
own neighbors, people you live with, suspicious of people you've known most of your life.
This is the story of the sharp family murders. I sincerely hope you enjoyed this story. If
you did, please leave me a review, download and share this story with your friends. Lastly,
if you enjoyed this podcast and want to help it grow, head over to my Patreon page, buy
(30:40):
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