Sue Matthews during her college years at Elmira College in 1974. She recalls attending fraternity parties at nearby Cornell University.
The Cornell fraternity scandal has sparked new questions about fraternity culture and the treatment of women. Now, a former college student is sharing her experiences from more than 50 years ago.
Sue Matthews attended Elmira College in New York in 1974. She was just 17 years old when she began her freshman year.
Cornell University was about 30 miles away.
Matthews says Cornell fraternities regularly sent buses to Elmira College. Their goal was to bring young women to weekend fraternity parties.
What happened after those parties sometimes left students in vulnerable situations.
Exclusive interview: A former student speaks out
Sue Matthews pictured with her sisters during her Elmira College days in the 1970s.
In an exclusive interview with Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose, Matthews describes her experiences attending Cornell fraternity parties.
She recalls a time when young women had few transportation options.
There were no cellphones, rideshare services or easy ways to contact someone for help.
Matthews says fraternity members sometimes refused to provide rides back to Elmira College.
They blamed heavy drinking or dangerous winter weather.
As a result, some young women had to remain at fraternity houses overnight.
Matthews describes situations that made her uncomfortable. She also recalls the pressure young women faced at those gatherings.
Watch my exclusive investigative report below. Matthews shares her firsthand account and explains why she believes these experiences deserve attention today.
Cornell fraternity parties in the 1970s
A Cornell University fraternity house in Ithaca, New York. Former Elmira College student Sue Matthews recalls attending Cornell fraternity parties in 1974.
Elmira College had a long history as a women’s college.
By 1974, the school had begun admitting male students. However, women still made up much of the student population.
Matthews says Cornell fraternities took advantage of that environment by arranging weekend transportation.
For freshmen, the parties offered an opportunity to socialize away from campus.
But returning home could become a problem.
Matthews recalls occasions when students were told the bus could not take them back.
Some fraternity members cited snow-covered roads. Others said they had consumed too much alcohol.
The students had limited alternatives.
Allegations bring renewed attention to Cornell
Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Recent fraternity allegations have renewed scrutiny of Greek life and campus safety.
The recent Cornell fraternity allegations have brought national attention to the university’s Greek life culture.
The documentary IMPACT x Nightline: The Cornell Seven, available on Hulu, examines allegations involving fraternity members and group-chat messages.
Those allegations concern events decades after Matthews attended Elmira College.
Matthews does not claim that her experiences involved the individuals named in the recent allegations.
Instead, her account offers a historical perspective on fraternity parties and the treatment of visiting female students.
Her interview raises questions about how long certain behaviors may have existed within college social environments.
A former student’s account, decades later
More than five decades have passed since Matthews attended those parties.
Yet she still remembers the circumstances that left young women dependent on fraternity members for transportation.
She also describes the persistence of men at some of those gatherings.
Her story provides a firsthand account of what she experienced as a young college student.
The recent allegations have renewed interest in fraternity culture. Matthews hopes sharing her experiences will contribute to that discussion.
Watch the full exclusive interview above for her account of Cornell fraternity parties in the 1970s.
Reporting by Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose.
The experiences described in this report reflect the interviewee’s account. They do not establish wrongdoing by any individual or fraternity involved in the current Cornell allegations.
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Former Clute Police Chief James Fitch resigned amid an investigation into complaints involving department leadership.
A Clute Police Department employee accused former Police Chief James Fitch of retaliation, intimidation and creating a hostile work environment.
Two days after the employee filed a formal complaint, the city placed Fitch on paid administrative leave.
Newly obtained documents detail allegations of workplace mistreatment, threats involving the employee’s police commission and growing tensions within the department.
The complaint also mentions Christopher DuBois, who later became assistant police chief.
Fitch subsequently resigned from the department.
Clute Police Employee Files Formal Complaint
On September 2, 2026, a female Clute Police Department employee submitted a six-page complaint to City Manager C.J. Snipes.
Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose obtained the complaint and supporting correspondence. This report withholds the employee’s identity to protect her privacy.
The employee accused Fitch of interfering with her duties and isolating her from fellow officers.
According to the complaint, she learned in August that Fitch had directed supervisors to restrict her involvement in police calls.
She claimed officers stopped communicating with her and excluded her from calls for service.
The employee said the treatment continued for months.
She also described feeling anxious about reporting to work.
“I felt paralyzed some days and couldn’t get much done because of how I was feeling,” the employee wrote.
Employee Claims Fitch Threatened Her Commission
The employee confronted Fitch about the alleged restrictions on August 24, 2026.
She questioned why he had directed supervisors to limit her responsibilities.
According to the complaint, Fitch repeatedly told her that officers had not performed their jobs properly.
She also claimed Fitch suggested he could revoke her police commission.
“He further said he could just pull my commission and let us all figure it out,” the employee wrote.
She interpreted the statement as a threat to her employment.
The employee also accused Fitch of treating her differently because of ongoing disputes involving department responsibilities.
The complaint does not establish whether Fitch intended to terminate her employment.
Complaint Describes Alleged Hostile Work Environment
The employee described repeated problems while performing her duties.
She claimed officers ignored her radio communications and excluded her from calls.
She also alleged that supervisors cursed at her and questioned her ability to represent the department.
The employee said the restrictions created safety concerns.
In one incident, she claimed she could not search a female inmate because she lacked permission to assist.
She also described an incident involving a Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office warrant service.
The employee argued that the department’s restrictions prevented officers from working together effectively.
She believed Fitch had created unnecessary conflict among city employees.
Christopher DuBois Mentioned in Complaint
Clute Police Assistant Chief Christopher DuBois is named in employee complaints alleging inappropriate sexual remarks and workplace intimidation.
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GALVESTON, Texas — Thousands of motorcycles roared into Galveston for the 2026 Lone Star Rally, filling historic downtown streets with bikers, music and entertainment.
The four-day event ran from November 5 through November 8. Riders traveled from across the country to attend one of the nation’s largest motorcycle rallies.
The City of Galveston says the annual event often attracts more than 500,000 visitors and 250,000 motorcycles.
However, a deadly motorcycle crash on the Bolivar Peninsula cast a shadow over the weekend.
Lone Star Rally Takes Over Downtown Galveston
Motorcycles lined The Strand as crowds explored vendor booths, restaurants and entertainment venues.
Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose captured photos of the rally, including packed streets, custom motorcycles and riders enjoying the festivities.
Historic buildings provided the backdrop as bikers cruised through downtown Galveston.
The event also brought live music, motorcycle displays, merchandise vendors and thousands of visitors to the island.
Lone Star Rally Brings Millions to Galveston’s Economy
Motorcycles line historic downtown Galveston as thousands of visitors attend the 2026 Lone Star Rally. Photo by Tammy Rose.
The Lone Star Rally provides a major economic boost to Galveston.
According to the City of Galveston, the annual event generates more than $115 million for the local economy.
Hotels, vacation rentals, restaurants and other tourism businesses benefit from the influx of visitors.
However, not every business welcomes the crowds. Some downtown merchants report losing regular customers because of traffic, street closures and limited access.
Despite those challenges, the rally remains one of Galveston’s largest annual tourism events.
One Dead, Three Injured in Motorcycle Crash Near Lone Star Rally
Motorcyclists travel along a Texas highway during the 2026 Lone Star Rally weekend. Photo by Tammy Rose.
A deadly crash on Friday, November 6, left one motorcycle rider dead and three others seriously injured.
The crash happened late Friday morning on Highway 87 at Loop 108 West in Port Bolivar, about a mile from the ferry landing.
According to KFDM, emergency officials said a motorcycle rider tried to avoid a turning vehicle and collided with another motorcycle.
One person died at the scene.
Emergency crews flew two injured riders to the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. A third rider went to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston.
The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the crash.
The riders were traveling to the Lone Star Rally when the collision occurred.
Police Increase Patrols During Lone Star Rally
Galveston police joined the Texas Department of Public Safety and other agencies to monitor the large crowds.
Officers maintained a visible presence throughout the downtown entertainment district.
The city also established a unified command center to coordinate public safety operations.
Officials urged drivers to watch for motorcycles, check blind spots and avoid impaired driving.
Lone Star Rally 2026 Comes to a Close
Pirate costumes add to the fun during the 2026 Lone Star Rally in downtown Galveston. Photo by Tammy Rose.
The Lone Star Rally wraps up Sunday, November 8, after four days of motorcycles, entertainment and massive crowds.
From custom bikes along The Strand to sunset views across Galveston Harbor, the event offered plenty of memorable scenes.
The weekend also brought tragedy for the family and friends of the rider killed on the Bolivar Peninsula.
Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose photographed the 2026 Lone Star Rally in Galveston, Texas.
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Multiple women have raised concerns about alleged sexual harassment, workplace intimidation and retaliation within the Clute Police Department.
Now, exclusive information obtained by Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose raises new questions about how department leaders handled those complaints.
One female employee alleges that current Assistant Police Chief Christopher DuBois made inappropriate sexual remarks toward her. She also claims he later targeted her after she reported his conduct.
Meanwhile, another female employee lost her job after filing a complaint.
The allegations add to months of controversy surrounding leadership at the Clute Police Department.
Clute Police Employee Speaks Exclusively About Alleged Harassment
A female Clute Police Department employee spoke exclusively with Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose about her experiences involving DuBois.
The employee requested anonymity because of concerns about her employment.
She says DuBois was serving as an administrative sergeant when he left her a voicemail asking what she was wearing.
According to the employee, DuBois later remarked that he should have asked what color underwear she had on.
She also described another incident involving a sexually suggestive gesture.
The employee alleges DuBois pointed toward his crotch and said his underwear read “Property of Chris.”
She claims Detective Sergeant A. Cantrell witnessed the incident.
According to the employee, DuBois suggested she would not get in trouble with her husband because they shared the same first name.
The employee says she retained the voicemail. She also claims the city manager located video related to the incident.
This reporter has not independently reviewed the alleged recordings.
Employee Alleges Retaliation After Filing Complaint
However, the employee says her greatest concern involves what happened after she reported DuBois.
She alleges DuBois remains her direct supervisor despite the complaint.
Furthermore, she claims DuBois has directed Detective Sergeant Cantrell to document minor deficiencies in her work.
The employee believes those actions are part of an effort to terminate her employment.
She says she fears losing her job because she spoke out.
The retaliation allegations remain unverified. This reporter has not independently reviewed the disciplinary documentation.
Multiple Complaints Raise Questions About Department Leadership
The employee’s allegations are part of broader concerns involving the Clute Police Department.
Complaints filed in September 2026 accused DuBois of inappropriate remarks and workplace conduct.
According to records described in reporting by The Facts, DuBois acknowledged leaving a voicemail but characterized it as a joke referencing a State Farm commercial.
He denied making a separate remark about the employee’s underwear.
Officials placed DuBois on leave September 30. However, he later returned to duty.
He continues to serve as assistant police chief.
His return raises questions about how department officials evaluated the complaints and addressed employee concerns.
Another Female Employee Fired After Complaint
Meanwhile, another female employee was terminated October 26, 2026, after filing a complaint involving workplace concerns.
The termination adds another issue to the department’s ongoing controversy.
However, the timing alone does not establish retaliation.
This reporter has sought comment from the former employee.
The circumstances surrounding her termination remain an important part of the investigation.
Former Lieutenant Also Named in Workplace Allegations
Additional information provided to this reporter raises questions about complaints involving former Clute Police Lieutenant Gregory Mitchell.
The information describes allegations of discrimination and an internal affairs investigation involving Mitchell.
However, the underlying records have not yet been independently reviewed.
Mitchell reportedly now works for the Matagorda County Sheriff’s Office.
The allegations involving Mitchell remain separate from the complaints against DuBois.
Nevertheless, the accounts raise broader questions about how Clute officials investigated employee complaints and addressed alleged misconduct.
Public Records Sought in Clute Police Investigation
Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose previously submitted an open records request seeking information related to internal complaints and investigations within the department.
However, the requested investigative records have not been provided.
Those records could help establish the timeline of complaints, the department’s findings and any disciplinary action.
They could also clarify whether officials followed established procedures when investigating employee allegations.
Questions Continue Following Police Chief’s Resignation
Former Clute Police Chief James Fitch resigned amid an investigation into complaints involving department leadership.
The allegations come after former Clute Police Chief James Fitch resigned amid controversy surrounding department leadership.
Now, additional complaints have placed renewed attention on the department’s workplace culture.
Several questions remain.
How did officials investigate the complaints? What steps did they take to protect employees who reported alleged misconduct? And why does an employee accused of inappropriate conduct remain in a supervisory position over one of his accusers, according to her account?
The allegations do not establish wrongdoing. Each employee and official named in the complaints deserves an opportunity to respond.
DuBois and city officials have not yet been asked to respond to the additional allegations obtained through this reporter’s exclusive interview.
This investigation remains ongoing. Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose welcomes firsthand accounts, records and documentation related to the Clute Police Department.
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Texas Department of Public Safety missing person bulletin for Rebecca “Becky” Beard, who disappeared in 1986.
FREEPORT, Texas — Less than a month before Rebecca “Becky” Beard disappeared in March 1986, a Harris County prosecutor contacted her about testifying in a criminal case against three Houston police officers.
Newly examined records reveal that Beard gave a sworn statement in September 1985. She described witnessing officers mistreat two women during a Houston traffic stop.
The records also include a February 5, 1986, letter from prosecutor Donald A. Smyth. He informed Beard that the officers would face trial on March 31, 1986.
Beard disappeared before that scheduled trial date.
The documents establish her potential role as a prosecution witness. However, they do not establish any connection between the criminal case and her disappearance.
Prosecutor contacted Becky Beard weeks before disappearance
A February 1986 letter from prosecutor John B. Holmes Jr. contacted Becky Beard about her potential testimony in a case involving allegations against Houston police officers, weeks before her disappearance.
Donald A. Smyth, chief of the Harris County District Attorney’s Civil Rights Division, wrote to Beard on February 5, 1986.
The letter identified three defendants: D. M. Prince, B. D. Franklin and L. J. Bradley.
Smyth described a criminal case involving the alleged beating of two young women in city jail custody on September 5, 1985.
He also identified three defense attorneys: Kent Schaffer, Wendell Odom and Reid Walker.
Smyth warned Beard that defense attorneys or private investigators might contact her about the case.
He explained that she did not have to speak with them or provide a written or recorded statement.
Smyth also asked Beard to call his office to discuss her appearance at trial.
The prosecutor thanked her for her courage and cooperation.
The letter confirms that prosecutors considered Beard an important witness. However, it does not establish whether the court formally subpoenaed her.
Becky Beard described disturbing Houston traffic stop
Becky Beard gave a sworn statement on September 10, 1985, describing a Houston traffic stop involving her two friends. She alleged that officers mistreated one of the women during the encounter.
Beard provided a sworn affidavit on September 10, 1985.
She described an encounter that began after an evening with Tammy McColskey and Julie Turcola.
According to her statement, the women visited a Houston nightclub called Fizz on Richmond Avenue.
Beard said she drove because she had consumed little alcohol.
Around 1:30 a.m., the women left the nightclub. Beard drove toward Westheimer Road.
A police vehicle followed them.
Officers stopped the car near Hillcroft and Westheimer.
Beard said an officer requested her driver’s license and proof of insurance. Meanwhile, another officer questioned the passengers about drinking and drug use.
The encounter soon escalated.
Witness said officer pulled handcuffed woman from patrol car
In her sworn affidavit, Becky Beard described watching an officer pull Tammy McColskey from a car. Beard stated that McColskey fell on her face and chest, her dress slipped down, and other officers stood nearby laughing.
In her affidavit, Beard described watching an officer handcuff McColskey and place her inside a patrol car.
She said McColskey later banged on the vehicle’s window and asked the officer to loosen the handcuffs.
Beard then described what happened next.
“The white officer pulled her out of the car,” Beard stated.
According to Beard, McColskey fell face-first onto the pavement.
Beard also said the woman’s dress slipped down while officers stood nearby laughing.
“She was crying,” Beard wrote.
The officer conducting Beard’s traffic investigation instructed her to look only at him.
However, Beard said she glanced back toward the patrol vehicles.
She then saw officers move McColskey into another police car.
Beard described McColskey lying with her head on the vehicle’s floor.
Officers eventually released Beard after issuing citations for driving without proof of insurance and without her driver’s license.
Sworn statement became part of police misconduct investigation
Beard signed her two-page affidavit before a notary on September 10, 1985.
She submitted the statement to Sergeant M. Angel of the Internal Affairs Division.
Her account described what she personally witnessed during the roadside encounter.
However, Beard did not describe witnessing the alleged beating inside the city jail.
That distinction matters because the prosecutor’s letter referred to criminal charges involving the treatment of two female prisoners at the jail.
The documents establish that Beard witnessed part of the encounter that preceded the women’s detention.
They do not establish that she witnessed every incident underlying the charges.
Police officers faced scheduled March 1986 trial
The February 1986 letter placed the officers’ trial on the calendar for March 31.
Smyth asked Beard to verify her address and telephone number. He also told her that prosecutors would contact her about appearing in court.
He explained that Beard would not need to attend unless the case proceeded to trial.
The documents do not establish whether the trial began on schedule or how the criminal charges ended.
Additional court records would help clarify the outcome.
New documents add another chapter to Becky Beard investigation
Beard disappeared from the Freeport area in early March 1986. She was 22 years old.
Her remains have never been recovered.
The discovery of her sworn affidavit and the prosecutor’s letter adds another documented event to the weeks leading up to her disappearance.
The records show that Beard had reported alleged police misconduct. They also show that prosecutors expected her cooperation in a criminal proceeding.
However, the documents contain no evidence that the officers threatened Beard or played any role in her disappearance.
Investigators have pursued the Beard case for decades. Paul Taylor Jr. received a life sentence in 1995 in connection with her murder.
A recent search near a Brazoria County cemetery failed to locate her remains.
The newly examined court documents raise additional questions about Beard’s activities before she vanished. They do not establish a new motive or identify another suspect.
ChopperRose.com continues examining records and interviewing witnesses in the nearly 41-year-old case.
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Former Manvel Police Chief Keith Traylor responds to allegations of retaliation and workplace misconduct.
Former Manvel Police Chief Keith Traylor has responded to allegations of retaliation, abuse of authority and a toxic workplace.
In written responses to questions from investigative reporter Tammy Rose, Traylor defended his leadership and explained his departure from the department.
He also revealed a surprising development involving former Manvel Police Captain Chris Day.
Traylor claims Day wants to withdraw his complaint against him. He also says Day has applied to work for him again at the Clute Police Department.
Those claims raise new questions about the dispute that preceded Traylor’s departure from Manvel.
Former Manvel police chief explains departure
Traylor maintains that he voluntarily retired after 13 years with the City of Manvel.
“I left the Manvel Police Department to retire from the City of Manvel,” Traylor wrote.
He described his decision as difficult because of his relationships with employees and residents.
However, city records previously obtained by Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose reveal a different side of his departure.
A September 10, 2026, notice outlined the city’s proposal to terminate Traylor’s employment.
The city later reached a separation agreement with Traylor. That agreement included language describing his departure as retirement.
Traylor’s latest explanation does not directly address the earlier proposed termination notice.
Traylor disputes retaliation allegations
Former Captain Chris Day filed a seven-page complaint on September 3, 2026.
The complaint raised allegations involving retaliation, abuse of authority and workplace conditions.
Traylor disputes those allegations.
He argues that dissatisfied former employees drove the complaints.
Traylor also claims current department employees do not share those concerns.
However, he did not identify those employees in his written response.
Former chief calls for independent investigation
Traylor says an independent investigation could provide additional context.
He believes such a review would present a more balanced account of the complaint.
Traylor also claims several current Manvel employees contacted him after his departure.
According to Traylor, those employees expressed frustration with the complaint and the city’s handling of the situation.
His response does not establish whether the city conducted an independent investigation into every allegation.
Traylor claims Chris Day wants to withdraw complaint
Former Manvel Police Captain Chris Day. Traylor claims Day has asked to withdraw his complaint and applied to work for him at the Clute Police Department.
One of the most significant developments involves Traylor’s relationship with Chris Day.
Traylor says Day contacted him during the past three weeks.
The two reportedly discussed the investigation that preceded Day’s dismissal and the allegations against Traylor.
“We have since resolved his concerns,” Traylor wrote.
Traylor further claims Day asked the Manvel city manager to withdraw the complaint against him.
Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose has not independently confirmed that request.
Day’s original complaint remains an important part of the documented dispute, regardless of whether he now seeks its withdrawal.
Former captain reportedly applies to Clute Police Department
Former Manvel Police Chief Keith Traylor responds to allegations of retaliation and workplace misconduct.
Traylor also revealed another development involving Day.
Since taking an interim leadership position at the Clute Police Department, Traylor says Day has contacted him about employment.
According to Traylor, Day submitted an application to work at Clute PD.
Traylor claims Day would work for him again if the department offered him an opportunity.
The reported application marks a potentially significant change in their professional relationship.
However, Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose has not independently verified the application or any hiring decision.
Former chief says allegations damaged reputation
Traylor also addressed the effect of the allegations and subsequent reporting.
He says the controversy damaged his personal character, professional reputation and credibility.
Traylor cited his 43 years in law enforcement and 13 years leading the Manvel Police Department.
He maintains that the allegations should not define his career.
His response also emphasizes the importance of presenting accurate information about his departure.
Questions remain about Manvel police leadership
Former Manvel Police Captain Chris Day. Day confirmed he withdrew his complaint against the city and applied for a lieutenant position with the Clute Police Department.
Traylor’s written response provides his perspective on the controversy.
However, several questions remain.
City records show Manvel considered terminating Traylor before reaching a separation agreement.
Meanwhile, Traylor now claims that the former captain who filed a complaint against him wants to withdraw it.
He also says that same former employee wants to work under his leadership again.
Those developments warrant further examination.
Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose will seek independent confirmation from Day and the City of Manvel.
The investigation into Manvel police leadership and the circumstances surrounding Traylor’s departure continues.
My new book, When Two Worlds Collide During WWII, follows two families on opposite sides of World War II and the remarkable events that eventually brought their lives together in Wisconsin.
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A recreation of the outfit Rebecca “Becky” Beard was reportedly wearing when she vanished in March 1986. Her family continues searching for answers 40 years later.
FREEPORT, Texas — Weeks before Rebecca “Becky” Beard vanished in March 1986, she allegedly confided in a man who now says she feared two people were following her and intended to kill her.
In an exclusive interview with investigative reporter Tammy Rose, Barry Williams recalled an evening with Beard that ended with an unsettling request. She wanted him to remain outside her home until she safely entered and closed the door.
Williams also described a man he said had become obsessed with Beard and wanted to control her personal life.
The account comes as investigators continue examining leads in the nearly 41-year-old murder case. A recent excavation near a Brazoria County cemetery failed to locate Beard’s remains.
Barry Williams recalls Becky’s warning about two men
Williams said he met Beard through an automobile business where she worked. The two eventually went out for drinks at a Freeport-area nightclub he identified as Chevy’s.
During their evening together, Williams said Beard told him two men had followed her around the area.
She believed they intended to kill her.
Williams recalled that Beard appeared sober and serious when she described her fears.
“She wasn’t drunk talking or nothing like that,” Williams said.
He acknowledged that he did not fully appreciate the warning at the time.
Looking back, he said her expression and the seriousness of her statements have stayed with him.
Williams said he had several businesses in the community and wanted no involvement in a potentially violent confrontation.
Becky allegedly wanted freedom from a controlling man
Williams described another troubling aspect of their conversation.
According to his account, Beard believed the two men worked for a man who had become obsessed with her.
Williams said the man did not want Beard spending time with others or pursuing an independent life.
He described someone who wanted Beard available whenever he demanded her attention.
But Williams said Beard wanted to move forward with her own life.
The interview does not establish the man’s identity or verify Beard’s reported concerns. No evidence presented in the interview connects the unidentified man or the alleged followers to her murder.
Still, Williams’ recollections provide another account of Beard’s personal circumstances before she vanished.
A final ride home and an unusual request
Williams recalled taking Beard home around 1 a.m. after their evening together.
He said he pulled into her driveway and waited as she approached the house.
According to Williams, Beard specifically asked him to remain until she entered and someone closed the door.
Her sister, Carol Mize, participated in the interview and helped Williams revisit details from that evening.
Williams recalled seeing someone open the door and waiting until the women entered the house.
He said he then backed out of the driveway and left.
The request stood out because Beard appeared concerned about reaching the safety of her home.
Williams said he never saw her again.
However, the interview does not establish the precise date of that encounter. Williams’ account places it before Beard’s disappearance, rather than necessarily on the night she vanished.
Witness description raises questions about Becky Beard’s clothing
A recreation of the outfit Rebecca “Becky” Beard was reportedly wearing when she vanished in March 1986. Her family continues searching for answers 40 years later.
During an exclusive interview, Barry Williams described the clothing he recalled Rebecca “Becky” Beard wearing when they went out together several weeks before her disappearance.
However, his description caught the attention of Beard’s sister, Carol Mize.
Mize had previously helped investigative reporter Tammy Rose recreate an image of the outfit she remembered her sister wearing the night she disappeared in March 1986.
While listening to Williams describe Beard’s clothing, they noticed that his account appeared to match the outfit Mize associated with the night her sister vanished.
The similarity stood out because Williams said he last saw Beard several weeks before her disappearance.
The apparent discrepancy raises questions about the timing of Williams’ recollection. It remains unclear why his description of an earlier encounter appeared to match the clothing Beard’s sister remembers from the night she disappeared.
Becky Beard vanished after visiting the Excalibur Club
Beard was 22 years old when she disappeared from Freeport on March 1, 1986.
She left behind a young daughter and a family that has spent four decades searching for answers.
Investigators focused on several people and locations during the original investigation.
In 1995, Paul Taylor Jr. pleaded guilty to Beard’s murder and received a life sentence.
Despite the conviction, investigators never recovered her remains.
Taylor has provided information about possible burial locations over the years. Searches have failed to locate Beard.
Williams’ interview does not establish an alternative account of the murder. However, it adds information about what Beard allegedly feared before she disappeared.
New cemetery search ends without finding remains
Search crews excavate an area near a Brazoria County cemetery after new witness information raised questions about the possible location of Rebecca Beard’s remains.
The Williams interview follows another development in the investigation.
In October 2026, search personnel returned to an area near a Brazoria County cemetery after renewed interest in a witness’s allegations.
The woman claimed she witnessed Beard’s burial in 1986.
Investigators previously questioned her credibility because of inconsistencies in her statements.
A nearby property owner later contacted Rose about activity involving former Brazoria County District Attorney’s Office investigator John Blankenship.
Texas EquuSearch assisted with a search that lasted approximately four hours.
According to a source familiar with the operation, searchers found no remains.
The excavation did not establish the witness’s allegations or resolve the question of Beard’s burial location.
Attorney General allows investigative records to remain withheld
Public records remain another obstacle in the search for answers.
In an August 28, 2026, ruling involving the Beard investigation, the Texas Attorney General allowed Brazoria County to withhold certain investigative information under the Texas Public Information Act.
The ruling required the release of basic information.
A separate ruling dated October 29, 2026, addressed Brazoria County request 26-2686.
The Attorney General again permitted the county to withhold submitted information under Section 552.108(a)(1) of the Texas Government Code while requiring the release of basic information.
Four decades later, questions remain
Williams’ account introduces another perspective on Beard’s life before her disappearance.
His recollections include her reported fear of two men, allegations involving a controlling relationship, and an unusual request for protection when he drove her home.
The interview also raises questions about the timing of their last encounter and the clothing Williams remembers.
Those details require corroboration.
For Beard’s family, the central question remains unchanged.
Where are her remains?
Texas Department of Public Safety missing person bulletin for Rebecca “Becky” Beard, who disappeared in 1986.
Nearly 41 years after she disappeared, investigators have yet to answer it.
Watch the exclusive interview with Barry Williams.
My new book, When Two Worlds Collide During WWII, follows two families on opposite sides of World War II and the remarkable events that eventually brought their lives together in Wisconsin.
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Galveston City Council Member Jason Hardcastle. His previous role as Park Board chairman is the subject of separate civil lawsuits.
GALVESTON, Texas — Galveston City Council Member Jason Hardcastle was arrested Friday night following a two-vehicle crash on Seawall Boulevard, according to an October 31, 2026, Galveston Police Department press release.
Police responded to the 6800 block of Seawall Boulevard around 8:15 p.m. Friday, October 30. No injuries were reported.
According to police, an officer observed signs of possible intoxication involving Hardcastle. Following an investigation, officers arrested him on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, first offense, a Class B misdemeanor.
Police said Hardcastle refused to provide a breath sample. Officers then obtained a search warrant for a blood specimen.
While officers executed the warrant at a local hospital, Hardcastle allegedly physically resisted their efforts.
Police subsequently charged him with resisting arrest, search or transportation, a Class A misdemeanor.
Hardcastle was booked into the Galveston County Jail on two charges:
Driving while intoxicated, first offense — $1,000 bond.
Resisting arrest, search or transportation — $1,500 bond.
Total bond: $2,500.
The arrest comes months after two separate civil lawsuits named Hardcastle in his official capacity as chairman of the Galveston Park Board of Trustees.
Those lawsuits are unrelated to the criminal allegations.
Police records requested following Hardcastle arrest
ChopperRose.com obtained Hardcastle’s booking photograph from the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office.
The Galveston Police Department also provided an official press release confirming his arrest and the two charges.
ChopperRose.com has requested additional records, including the arrest report, probable cause affidavit, crash report, search warrant and available body-camera footage.
Those records could provide more details about the investigation.
Galveston police confirmed Saturday that Hardcastle was no longer in the county jail.
Hardcastle is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
In May 2025, the City of Galveston and City Manager Brian Maxwell sued the Galveston Park Board of Trustees and Hardcastle in his official capacity as board chairman.
The lawsuit alleged violations of the Texas Open Meetings Act during meetings on May 12 and May 22, 2025.
City officials challenged actions involving employee matters and negotiations.
In June 2025, a judge granted an injunction that restricted certain actions from those meetings.
However, the lawsuit did not end with a finding of liability.
Court records show the parties later agreed to dismiss all claims with prejudice.
Judge Jared Robinson signed the final dismissal order on March 19, 2026.
The agreement stated that neither side admitted fault. Neither side paid money to resolve the dispute.
Case number: 25-CV-0913, Galveston County’s 405th District Court.
Former Beach Patrol chief filed federal lawsuit
Galveston Council Member Jason Hardcastle and court records from a 2025 lawsuit involving the Galveston Park Board of Trustees.
A second lawsuit followed the dismissal of longtime Galveston Beach Patrol Chief Peter Davis.
Davis filed his federal lawsuit in August 2025.
He named the Galveston Park Board, Hardcastle and interim CEO Marty Miles. The lawsuit named Hardcastle and Miles in their official capacities.
Davis challenged his termination after more than four decades with the Beach Patrol.
His lawsuit alleged that the board mishandled his dismissal and denied him certain employment protections.
The Park Board defended its decision. Officials cited concerns about Davis’ judgment and leadership.
The federal case carried the number 3:25-CV-00254 in the Southern District of Texas.
A September 2026 Park Board agenda listed the lawsuit for discussion, including a possible settlement.
That agenda does not establish whether the parties reached an agreement. The latest court disposition still requires confirmation.
Separate legal matters
The lawsuits involved Hardcastle’s official duties with the Park Board. Neither case involved allegations of impaired driving.
The October 30 arrest represents a separate criminal matter.
ChopperRose.com continues to seek police records and additional information about the arrest.
This story will be updated as verified information becomes available.
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GALVESTON COUNTY, Texas — A woman who was just 12 years old in 1979 is sharing her account of a frightening encounter with three men near a convenience store.
The woman, identified only as Renee to protect her privacy, recently spoke with investigative reporter Tammy Rose.
Her story dates back to the Texas Killing Fields era, when several young women disappeared or were murdered in the Houston-Galveston region.
Renee believes the men tried to abduct her. Nearly five decades later, she still remembers details about their vehicle and behavior.
Three men inside a vehicle
Renee recalls seeing three men inside a four-door vehicle near a convenience store in 1979. She believes the vehicle was a Jeep Wagoneer. Photo is for illustrative purposes only.
Renee recalled walking toward a convenience store in 1979.
She noticed three men sitting inside a four-door vehicle. She believes it was a Jeep Wagoneer.
One man sat in the back seat. According to Renee, he leaned forward between the two front bucket seats.
As she walked past, the man tapped the front passenger to draw his attention to her.
Renee entered the store and purchased a bag of onion rings.
What happened during that encounter has stayed with her for decades.
A childhood memory that never faded
Renee returns to the area where she says three men attempted to abduct her when she was 12 years old in 1979. Nearly five decades later, she remembers details of the encounter.
Renee was 12 years old at the time.
She remembers the vehicle’s layout and the positions of the three men. Those details remain central to her account.
Her experience raises questions about suspicious encounters involving young girls during that period.
However, no evidence presented in this interview establishes a connection between the men Renee described and any known Texas Killing Fields homicide.
Watch Renee tell her story
In an exclusive interview, Renee returns to the events of 1979 and describes what she remembers.
Renee shares her firsthand account, including details about the vehicle and the three men.
Questions remain decades later
Renee revisits the area where she recalls fleeing from three men who allegedly tried to abduct her when she was 12. She describes the route she took to escape.
The Texas Killing Fields era left many families searching for answers.
Renee’s account offers another perspective on the fear young girls experienced in the region during that time.
Her recollections deserve careful examination. Investigators would need independent evidence to connect her encounter to any other case.
ChopperRose.com continues to examine historical cases, witness accounts and unresolved questions from the Texas Gulf Coast.
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Former Manvel Police Chief Keith Traylor is among the officials whose actions are challenged in the federal civil-rights lawsuit.
MANVEL, Texas — Two former Manvel Police Department officers accused their former chief of retaliation just days before city officials proposed his termination.
The Manvel police retaliation complaints raise questions about former Police Chief Keith Traylor’s leadership. They also reveal disputes involving the Manvel Police Association and public-information requests.
Former Police Captain Chris Day filed a complaint on September 3, 2026. Former reserve and part-time officer David Guerrero submitted another complaint the following day.
Both men questioned employment decisions involving Traylor.
Meanwhile, earlier records reveal another dispute over public-information requests involving department employees and critics.
The documents provide new insight into conflicts within the department. However, the complaints do not prove that Traylor violated department policies or retaliated against employees.
Manvel police retaliation complaints target former chief
On August 3, 2025, former Manvel Animal Control Officer John Sherman submitted a complaint concerning a public-information request.
Sherman believed the request targeted him because of an earlier whistleblower complaint.
He identified Day in connection with the disputed request.
However, the records do not establish whether Day acted independently or followed another person’s instructions.
They also do not establish whether anyone used the request for an improper purpose.
Those questions remain important because the records involve both association activities and allegations of retaliation.
Investigators would need additional communications or testimony to determine who authorized the requests.
Did department leadership direct the requests?
Another question concerns Traylor’s possible involvement.
Information provided during this investigation alleges that Traylor pressured Day to seek records about employees and residents who criticized department leadership.
However, the documents reviewed so far do not independently establish that allegation.
They also do not establish whether Traylor directed any specific request.
Day’s account could help clarify the circumstances.
Likewise, Traylor’s response could explain whether he had any involvement.
For now, the available evidence does not support a conclusion about who directed the disputed requests.
City proposes termination days after complaints
A September 10, 2026, notice proposing the termination of Manvel Police Chief Keith Traylor, issued days after complaints were submitted to city officials.
On September 10, 2026, Manvel officials issued a proposed termination notice involving Traylor.
The notice followed Day’s complaint by seven days.
It also came six days after Guerrero submitted his complaint.
However, the timing alone does not establish that either complaint caused the proposed termination.
The available records do not establish which allegations, if any, directly influenced the city’s decision.
Traylor later departed the Manvel Police Department.
Rick Alvarado subsequently assumed interim leadership.
Meanwhile, Traylor moved into an interim civilian administrative role with the Clute Police Department.
The leadership changes followed months of disputes involving department management and employee relations.
What the records establish
The documents identify several significant developments.
First, Day filed a retaliation complaint on September 3, 2026.
Next, Guerrero submitted a separate complaint on September 4.
Earlier records also document Sherman’s concerns about a public-information request in August 2025.
Finally, Manvel officials issued Traylor’s proposed termination notice on September 10, 2026.
Together, these events provide a timeline of internal disputes involving department leadership.
However, several questions remain unanswered.
The available records do not establish whether investigators substantiated the retaliation allegations.
They also do not explain who directed every public-information request.
Furthermore, the documents do not establish whether the separate complaints influenced Traylor’s departure.
Investigation continues
The Manvel police retaliation complaints provide another look at internal conflicts within the department.
They also raise questions about employee treatment, police association activities and department accountability.
However, allegations require evidence before anyone can establish wrongdoing.
Additional records may help explain how city officials investigated the complaints.
They may also clarify whether department leadership influenced the disputed public-information requests.
This investigation remains ongoing.
ChopperRose.com will continue examining public records and reporting verified developments involving Manvel Police Department leadership.
My new book, When Two Worlds Collide During WWII, follows two families on opposite sides of World War II and the remarkable events that eventually brought their lives together in Wisconsin.
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