On January 14, 1995, a tragic incident occurred in Beaumont, Texas that shook the community to its core. Mary Catherine Edwards, a 31-year-old elementary school teacher, was found dead in her townhouse. Her parents made the gruesome discovery – Mary was found in her bathtub, handcuffed, and had been sexually assaulted.
The lack of forced entry into her home led investigators to believe that Mary knew her assailant. The use of police-grade Smith & Wesson handcuffs further intensified the mystery surrounding the case. Despite initial efforts to trace the serial numbers on the handcuffs, the investigation hit a dead end. Even questioning law enforcement officers yielded no results.
The case eventually went cold, leaving many unanswered questions and speculation about who could have committed such a heinous crime. Detective Aaron Lewallen of the Beaumont Police Department described the investigation as akin to a ghost story told around a campfire. The chilling nature of the crime left a lasting impact on the community.
Years later, a breakthrough came in the form of advancements in DNA technology and genetic genealogy. Detective Lewallen, his wife Tina Lewallen, fellow investigator Brandon Bess, and genealogist Shera LaPoint collaborated tirelessly to crack the cold case. Through meticulous analysis and research, a suspect emerged – Clayton Foreman.
Surprisingly, Foreman was not a law enforcement officer as previously suspected, but rather an individual who shared a high school connection with Mary. Details about their past interactions, including Mary and her twin sister Allison being bridesmaids at Foreman’s wedding, shed light on a potential motive. Former acquaintances recalled unsettling behaviors exhibited by Foreman, such as his fascination with police tools like handcuffs.
The pivotal moment came when DNA evidence linked Foreman to the crime scene, leading to his arrest. In a symbolic gesture, investigators used the same handcuffs found on Mary to apprehend her killer. The irony of the handcuffs, once a perplexing clue, now served as a poignant reminder of justice served.
Foreman’s subsequent trial culminated in a swift conviction, with the jury deliberating for less than an hour before delivering a guilty verdict. He was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Mary Catherine Edwards. The resolution of the case provided closure to Mary’s family and the community, bringing an end to a decades-old mystery.
The relentless pursuit of truth by dedicated law enforcement officials underscored the importance of perseverance and collaboration in solving cold cases. Mary’s memory lives on through the pursuit of justice, serving as a testament to the resilience of those who seek to bring closure to victims and their loved ones.
