Double Homicide Investigation Underway in Rural Bowie County After Grisly Discovery
DEKALB, TX — The peaceful rural community of Bowie County has been shaken by a chilling double homicide that unfolded early Thursday morning. Authorities with the Bowie County Sheriff’s Office have confirmed that two people were found dead on a private property in the 700 block of Private Road 42041, just outside DeKalb. The disturbing discovery has prompted an active and ongoing investigation, as detectives work to piece together what led to the violent deaths.
A Search for Answers Begins
The incident came to light around 9 a.m. on Thursday, June 20, after family members of 63-year-old Donna Culpepper became alarmed when they were unable to reach her. According to the sheriff’s office, a concerned relative drove to a property where Culpepper was known to occasionally stay—belonging to Charles Beckham, a local resident.
What the relative found was devastating: Culpepper’s lifeless body lying in the driveway. Authorities were immediately notified, and deputies, along with members of the Simms Volunteer Fire Department, responded to the scene.
Upon further investigation, deputies discovered that Beckham’s truck had been set on fire and was found burned behind the home. A thorough search of the property led investigators to Beckham’s body, confirming fears that both he and Culpepper had been murdered.
Evidence of Foul Play
The Bowie County Sheriff’s Office quickly determined that both deaths were homicides, based on physical evidence found at the scene. While investigators have not yet released details about how the victims died, they confirmed that the evidence strongly supports a coordinated and violent act.
Making the situation even more concerning, authorities noted that Culpepper’s vehicle was missing from the property. The car — a gray 2025 Nissan Sentra with Illinois license plate FP281446 — is believed to have been stolen and possibly used as a getaway vehicle.
The vehicle had been rented from Enterprise Rent-A-Car and is now listed in law enforcement databases nationwide as a stolen vehicle connected to a homicide investigation.
A Plea for Public Assistance
As the search for answers intensifies, law enforcement officials are urging the public to come forward with any information that may help. In particular, they are asking for tips about:
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The whereabouts of the stolen Nissan Sentra
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Any unusual activity in the area of Private Road 42041
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Individuals who may have been seen near the property prior to the discovery
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Anyone with knowledge of Beckham or Culpepper’s recent interactions or potential conflicts
Those with information are encouraged to contact Investigator Michelle Alexander at the Bowie County Sheriff’s Office by calling 903-628-6819.
A Community in Mourning
The shocking nature of the crime has left the residents of DeKalb and surrounding areas stunned. Both Culpepper and Beckham were known in their circles, and news of their deaths has spread quickly throughout the small, tight-knit community.
“We’re used to looking out for each other here,” one neighbor said. “This kind of thing doesn’t happen often — and when it does, it hits you like a punch to the gut. Everyone is shaken.”
Family members of both victims are receiving support from local officials, and grief counselors are being made available to those in the community impacted by the tragedy.
Investigation Ongoing
The Bowie County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from multiple law enforcement agencies, is continuing its investigation into the double homicide. Authorities have not publicly identified any suspects, nor have they commented on a possible motive, though they are pursuing multiple leads.
Officials are expected to release further updates in the coming days as more evidence is processed and witness statements are collected.
This is a developing story. For real-time updates and additional information as it becomes available, please monitor official communications from the Bowie County Sheriff’s Office. Anyone with potentially relevant information is strongly urged to step forward and assist in the investigation.