Decades-Old Beaumont Cold Case Revisited on '48 Hours'

CBS's true crime series explores the disappearance and murder of Kimberly Langwell, whose secret grave was discovered over 20 years later.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 5:22pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a personal item or fragment of evidence from the Kimberly Langwell murder case, dramatically lit by a harsh camera flash against a dark background, conceptually illustrating the investigation's gritty, investigative nature.The '48 Hours' episode explores how a secret grave finally revealed the fate of Kimberly Langwell, a Beaumont mother who disappeared over 20 years ago.Beaumont Today

The '48 Hours' episode 'Kimberly Langwell's Hidden Grave' revisits the 1999 disappearance of Beaumont, Texas mother Kimberly Langwell. After years with no answers, new information surfaced in 2021 that led police to uncover Langwell's remains buried beneath her former boyfriend's home, resulting in his arrest for her murder.

Why it matters

The Kimberly Langwell case highlights the emotional toll on families of missing persons cases that go unsolved for decades, as well as the persistence of law enforcement in pursuing justice even years later. The episode also showcases the investigative techniques, like cadaver dogs and ground-penetrating radar, that can help crack cold cases.

The details

In 1999, Kimberly Langwell disappeared after leaving work in Beaumont, Texas, leaving her teenage daughter Tiffani McInnis searching for answers. The case went cold for over 20 years until new information prompted Beaumont police to reopen the investigation in 2021. This led them to the home of Langwell's former boyfriend, Terry Rose, where they used cadaver dogs and ground-penetrating radar to discover Langwell's remains buried beneath the floor of a bedroom.

  • Kimberly Langwell disappeared in 1999 after leaving work.
  • In 2021, new information prompted Beaumont police to reopen the investigation.
  • In 2024, police arrested Terry Rose and charged him with Langwell's murder.
  • The '48 Hours' episode 'Kimberly Langwell's Hidden Grave' airs on April 12, 2026.

The players

Kimberly Langwell

A Beaumont, Texas mother who disappeared in 1999 and whose remains were discovered over 20 years later.

Tiffani McInnis

Langwell's daughter, who was a teenager when her mother disappeared and spent decades searching for answers.

Terry Rose

Langwell's former boyfriend, who was arrested and charged with her murder in 2024 after police discovered her remains buried beneath his home.

Heather Wilson

A Beaumont Police detective who investigated the Langwell case.

Luke Nichols

A Jefferson County prosecutor involved in the case.

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What they’re saying

“The case went cold for years until new information surfaced more than 20 years later, prompting Beaumont police to reopen the investigation. That lead ultimately pointed detectives to a secret grave, where a 'horrific discovery' revealed Langwell's fate.”

— Aaron Drawhorn, Author

“Tiffani McInnis, Langwell's daughter, was a teenager when her mother vanished, beginning a years-long fight for answers and justice.”

— Aaron Drawhorn, Author

What’s next

The '48 Hours' episode on the Kimberly Langwell case is set to air on April 12, 2026, providing national attention to the decades-long investigation and the push for justice.

The takeaway

The Kimberly Langwell case is a sobering reminder of the emotional toll on families when a loved one goes missing, and the persistence required of law enforcement to uncover the truth even years later. This episode of '48 Hours' shines a light on the investigative techniques that can help crack cold cases and provide closure for victims' families.