Texas DPS seeks help solving 1980 double murder

Mother and son found strangled near Houston's White Oak Bayou on Christmas Day

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Texas Department of Public Safety is asking the public for assistance in solving the 1980 Christmas Day murder of a mother and son found strangled near Houston's White Oak Bayou. The victims' identities have not been released, and the case remains unsolved after over 40 years.

Why it matters

This cold case from 1980 highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in solving older crimes, even decades later, and the importance of maintaining public awareness and tips to help crack unsolved murders.

The details

The mother and son were discovered strangled on December 25, 1980 near Houston's White Oak Bayou. The victims' identities have not been publicly released by authorities. The Texas Department of Public Safety is now renewing calls for anyone with information about the double murder to come forward, in the hopes of finally solving this long-standing cold case.

  • The victims were found on Christmas Day, 1980.

The players

Texas Department of Public Safety

The state law enforcement agency that is investigating this unsolved 1980 double murder case and asking the public for assistance.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

This tragic 1980 double murder case in Houston remains unsolved over 40 years later, underscoring the difficulty law enforcement can face in cracking cold cases, and the importance of maintaining public awareness and tips to help identify suspects and bring closure to victims' families.