BASTROP COUNTY, Texas – Woman Murdered by Serial Killer 44 Years Ago Finally Identified

After more than four decades, the identity of a woman who was brutally murdered by a serial killer in Bastrop County, Texas has been revealed. The Bastrop County Sheriff’s Office announced the breakthrough during a press conference held on Thursday. The victim, who was only 22 years old at the time of her death, has been identified as Kathy Ann Smith, according to KXAN.

Smith’s lifeless body was discovered on June 21, 1979, near the intersection of Hwy 290 and FM 696. At the time, investigators could only estimate her age to be between 16 and 40 years old.

In 2019 and 2022, DNA samples were extracted from Smith’s remains after her body was exhumed. These samples eventually led to a positive identification, providing long-awaited answers to her surviving family members, who expressed relief upon learning the truth about what happened to their loved one 44 years ago.

During the press conference, authorities revealed that a suspect had been arrested in connection with the case. The convicted serial killer Henry Lee Lucas, who was serving his sentence, was linked to Smith’s murder. Unfortunately, Lucas has since passed away.

Stay tuned for further updates on this case as they become available.