Galveston City Council Member Jason Hardcastle. His previous role as Park Board chairman is the subject of separate civil lawsuits.
GALVESTON, Texas — Galveston City Council Member Jason Hardcastle was arrested Friday night following a two-vehicle crash on Seawall Boulevard, according to an October 31, 2026, Galveston Police Department press release.
Police responded to the 6800 block of Seawall Boulevard around 8:15 p.m. Friday, October 30. No injuries were reported.
According to police, an officer observed signs of possible intoxication involving Hardcastle. Following an investigation, officers arrested him on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, first offense, a Class B misdemeanor.
Police said Hardcastle refused to provide a breath sample. Officers then obtained a search warrant for a blood specimen.
While officers executed the warrant at a local hospital, Hardcastle allegedly physically resisted their efforts.
Police subsequently charged him with resisting arrest, search or transportation, a Class A misdemeanor.
Hardcastle was booked into the Galveston County Jail on two charges:
Driving while intoxicated, first offense — $1,000 bond.
Resisting arrest, search or transportation — $1,500 bond.
Total bond: $2,500.
The arrest comes months after two separate civil lawsuits named Hardcastle in his official capacity as chairman of the Galveston Park Board of Trustees.
Those lawsuits are unrelated to the criminal allegations.
Police records requested following Hardcastle arrest
ChopperRose.com obtained Hardcastle’s booking photograph from the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office.
The Galveston Police Department also provided an official press release confirming his arrest and the two charges.
ChopperRose.com has requested additional records, including the arrest report, probable cause affidavit, crash report, search warrant and available body-camera footage.
Those records could provide more details about the investigation.
Galveston police confirmed Saturday that Hardcastle was no longer in the county jail.
Hardcastle is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
In May 2025, the City of Galveston and City Manager Brian Maxwell sued the Galveston Park Board of Trustees and Hardcastle in his official capacity as board chairman.
The lawsuit alleged violations of the Texas Open Meetings Act during meetings on May 12 and May 22, 2025.
City officials challenged actions involving employee matters and negotiations.
In June 2025, a judge granted an injunction that restricted certain actions from those meetings.
However, the lawsuit did not end with a finding of liability.
Court records show the parties later agreed to dismiss all claims with prejudice.
Judge Jared Robinson signed the final dismissal order on March 19, 2026.
The agreement stated that neither side admitted fault. Neither side paid money to resolve the dispute.
Case number: 25-CV-0913, Galveston County’s 405th District Court.
Former Beach Patrol chief filed federal lawsuit
Galveston Council Member Jason Hardcastle and court records from a 2025 lawsuit involving the Galveston Park Board of Trustees.
A second lawsuit followed the dismissal of longtime Galveston Beach Patrol Chief Peter Davis.
Davis filed his federal lawsuit in August 2025.
He named the Galveston Park Board, Hardcastle and interim CEO Marty Miles. The lawsuit named Hardcastle and Miles in their official capacities.
Davis challenged his termination after more than four decades with the Beach Patrol.
His lawsuit alleged that the board mishandled his dismissal and denied him certain employment protections.
The Park Board defended its decision. Officials cited concerns about Davis’ judgment and leadership.
The federal case carried the number 3:25-CV-00254 in the Southern District of Texas.
A September 2026 Park Board agenda listed the lawsuit for discussion, including a possible settlement.
That agenda does not establish whether the parties reached an agreement. The latest court disposition still requires confirmation.
Separate legal matters
The lawsuits involved Hardcastle’s official duties with the Park Board. Neither case involved allegations of impaired driving.
The October 30 arrest represents a separate criminal matter.
ChopperRose.com continues to seek police records and additional information about the arrest.
This story will be updated as verified information becomes available.
My new book, When Two Worlds Collide During WWII, follows two families on opposite sides of World War II and the remarkable events that eventually brought their lives together in Wisconsin.
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GALVESTON COUNTY, Texas — A woman who was just 12 years old in 1979 is sharing her account of a frightening encounter with three men near a convenience store.
The woman, identified only as Renee to protect her privacy, recently spoke with investigative reporter Tammy Rose.
Her story dates back to the Texas Killing Fields era, when several young women disappeared or were murdered in the Houston-Galveston region.
Renee believes the men tried to abduct her. Nearly five decades later, she still remembers details about their vehicle and behavior.
Three men inside a vehicle
Renee recalls seeing three men inside a four-door vehicle near a convenience store in 1979. She believes the vehicle was a Jeep Wagoneer. Photo is for illustrative purposes only.
Renee recalled walking toward a convenience store in 1979.
She noticed three men sitting inside a four-door vehicle. She believes it was a Jeep Wagoneer.
One man sat in the back seat. According to Renee, he leaned forward between the two front bucket seats.
As she walked past, the man tapped the front passenger to draw his attention to her.
Renee entered the store and purchased a bag of onion rings.
What happened during that encounter has stayed with her for decades.
A childhood memory that never faded
Renee returns to the area where she says three men attempted to abduct her when she was 12 years old in 1979. Nearly five decades later, she remembers details of the encounter.
Renee was 12 years old at the time.
She remembers the vehicle’s layout and the positions of the three men. Those details remain central to her account.
Her experience raises questions about suspicious encounters involving young girls during that period.
However, no evidence presented in this interview establishes a connection between the men Renee described and any known Texas Killing Fields homicide.
Watch Renee tell her story
In an exclusive interview, Renee returns to the events of 1979 and describes what she remembers.
Renee shares her firsthand account, including details about the vehicle and the three men.
Questions remain decades later
Renee revisits the area where she recalls fleeing from three men who allegedly tried to abduct her when she was 12. She describes the route she took to escape.
The Texas Killing Fields era left many families searching for answers.
Renee’s account offers another perspective on the fear young girls experienced in the region during that time.
Her recollections deserve careful examination. Investigators would need independent evidence to connect her encounter to any other case.
ChopperRose.com continues to examine historical cases, witness accounts and unresolved questions from the Texas Gulf Coast.
My new book, When Two Worlds Collide During WWII, follows two families on opposite sides of World War II and the remarkable events that eventually brought their lives together in Wisconsin.
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Former Manvel Police Chief Keith Traylor is among the officials whose actions are challenged in the federal civil-rights lawsuit.
MANVEL, Texas — Two former Manvel Police Department officers accused their former chief of retaliation just days before city officials proposed his termination.
The Manvel police retaliation complaints raise questions about former Police Chief Keith Traylor’s leadership. They also reveal disputes involving the Manvel Police Association and public-information requests.
Former Police Captain Chris Day filed a complaint on September 3, 2026. Former reserve and part-time officer David Guerrero submitted another complaint the following day.
Both men questioned employment decisions involving Traylor.
Meanwhile, earlier records reveal another dispute over public-information requests involving department employees and critics.
The documents provide new insight into conflicts within the department. However, the complaints do not prove that Traylor violated department policies or retaliated against employees.
Manvel police retaliation complaints target former chief
On August 3, 2025, former Manvel Animal Control Officer John Sherman submitted a complaint concerning a public-information request.
Sherman believed the request targeted him because of an earlier whistleblower complaint.
He identified Day in connection with the disputed request.
However, the records do not establish whether Day acted independently or followed another person’s instructions.
They also do not establish whether anyone used the request for an improper purpose.
Those questions remain important because the records involve both association activities and allegations of retaliation.
Investigators would need additional communications or testimony to determine who authorized the requests.
Did department leadership direct the requests?
Another question concerns Traylor’s possible involvement.
Information provided during this investigation alleges that Traylor pressured Day to seek records about employees and residents who criticized department leadership.
However, the documents reviewed so far do not independently establish that allegation.
They also do not establish whether Traylor directed any specific request.
Day’s account could help clarify the circumstances.
Likewise, Traylor’s response could explain whether he had any involvement.
For now, the available evidence does not support a conclusion about who directed the disputed requests.
City proposes termination days after complaints
A September 10, 2026, notice proposing the termination of Manvel Police Chief Keith Traylor, issued days after complaints were submitted to city officials.
On September 10, 2026, Manvel officials issued a proposed termination notice involving Traylor.
The notice followed Day’s complaint by seven days.
It also came six days after Guerrero submitted his complaint.
However, the timing alone does not establish that either complaint caused the proposed termination.
The available records do not establish which allegations, if any, directly influenced the city’s decision.
Traylor later departed the Manvel Police Department.
Rick Alvarado subsequently assumed interim leadership.
Meanwhile, Traylor moved into an interim civilian administrative role with the Clute Police Department.
The leadership changes followed months of disputes involving department management and employee relations.
What the records establish
The documents identify several significant developments.
First, Day filed a retaliation complaint on September 3, 2026.
Next, Guerrero submitted a separate complaint on September 4.
Earlier records also document Sherman’s concerns about a public-information request in August 2025.
Finally, Manvel officials issued Traylor’s proposed termination notice on September 10, 2026.
Together, these events provide a timeline of internal disputes involving department leadership.
However, several questions remain unanswered.
The available records do not establish whether investigators substantiated the retaliation allegations.
They also do not explain who directed every public-information request.
Furthermore, the documents do not establish whether the separate complaints influenced Traylor’s departure.
Investigation continues
The Manvel police retaliation complaints provide another look at internal conflicts within the department.
They also raise questions about employee treatment, police association activities and department accountability.
However, allegations require evidence before anyone can establish wrongdoing.
Additional records may help explain how city officials investigated the complaints.
They may also clarify whether department leadership influenced the disputed public-information requests.
This investigation remains ongoing.
ChopperRose.com will continue examining public records and reporting verified developments involving Manvel Police Department leadership.
My new book, When Two Worlds Collide During WWII, follows two families on opposite sides of World War II and the remarkable events that eventually brought their lives together in Wisconsin.
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Newly obtained law-enforcement records reveal more about the employment history of Manvel Interim Police Chief Rick Alvarado.
The records include an investigation involving a county-owned television, concerns uncovered during reviews of a county-issued cellphone, paid administrative leave and Alvarado’s 2020 termination from the Victoria County Sheriff’s Office.
However, the records reviewed do not show that Alvarado was criminally charged in connection with those matters.
Alvarado has now responded in detail.
He disputes some of the conclusions drawn from the records. He also says Manvel had his complete background file before hiring him.
One of the earliest Victoria County records involves a county-owned television.
A February 5, 2019 review says an earlier internal investigation examined the possible theft or misappropriation of a television belonging to the Victoria County Sheriff’s Office.
Capt. Charles Williamson had been assigned to determine whether Alvarado committed a criminal offense or violated department policy.
According to the review, Williamson did not believe there was enough evidence to prove that a criminal offense occurred.
However, Williamson identified two possible policy violations.
Sheriff T. Michael O’Connor later ordered Lt. Will Franklin to review the case again.
Franklin was asked to determine whether investigators had missed additional policy violations or unethical conduct.
The review also included a separate complaint involving Alvarado’s conduct while working as an instructor at the Victoria College Police Academy.
The television investigation also led investigators to review information from a county-issued cellphone or SIM card used by Alvarado.
That review uncovered material investigators considered troubling.
However, investigators said some of that material was not directly related to the television allegation.
Franklin’s 2019 review described repeated personal use of county communications equipment.
Investigators also documented derogatory language and conversations involving anabolic steroids.
Franklin concluded that several incidents violated Victoria County Sheriff’s Office policy.
He also wrote that the conduct did not meet the ethical expectations required of sheriff’s office employees or Texas peace officers.
Alvarado placed on administrative leave
Rick Alvarado, interim chief of the Manvel Police Department.
Another internal investigation began in August 2020.
On August 4, Alvarado was placed on paid administrative leave while investigators reviewed the matter.
The memo ordered him to remain available by phone during normal work hours and prohibited him from acting on behalf of the sheriff’s office while the investigation continued.
Two days later, investigators examined a county-issued iPhone used by Alvarado.
The forensic report documented more than 1,000 chats and more than 5,000 SMS messages.
It also listed tens of thousands of images and thousands of videos.
Investigators reported finding conversations involving substances identified in the report as Endurabol, RAD 140, Testolone, SARMs and testosterone.
The report also described contacts investigators identified as known steroid or drug users, felons or people associated with criminal activity.
Those descriptions came from the sheriff’s office investigation.
They do not, by themselves, establish criminal conduct by Alvarado.
Investigator questioned missing messages
The cellphone examiner also noted something he considered unusual.
According to the report, investigators found call logs between Alvarado and his wife but no direct SMS messages between them.
The investigator wrote that this could indicate the phone had been cleaned before it was surrendered.
However, the report does not establish who may have deleted information or when.
Investigators also noted that some social-media applications had previously been installed but were no longer on the phone.
Victoria County terminated Alvarado
On August 21, 2020, Victoria County Sheriff Justin Marr notified Alvarado that his employment would be terminated.
The termination notice cited misuse of a county-issued cellphone and conduct unbecoming a sheriff’s office employee.
The letter referenced both the earlier investigation and the newer 2020 review.
Among the findings, investigators cited extensive personal use of the county phone.
They also documented derogatory language involving coworkers and ethnic or racial groups.
Other conversations involved strip clubs, alcohol and steroids.
The termination letter also cited contacts with people investigators described as felons or drug users.
In addition, the sheriff’s office cited a February 2018 conversation involving an alleged $11 payment for each police academy cadet Alvarado sent to a nutrition store.
A voicemail recording provided to me during this investigation appears to contain a message from a Katy Police Department representative discussing Alvarado’s application to that department.
The caller says Alvarado interviewed with Katy Police in September 2020.
During the voicemail, the caller says Alvarado was “kind of vague on a couple of IAs” involving the Bay City Police Department.
“So we passed on him,” the caller says.
The caller also says Katy had several strong applicants in that group and therefore did not continue further into Alvarado’s background.
The voicemail also says Katy had a personal history statement completed by Alvarado.
The caller offered to provide a copy of that document.
The recording does not establish that Alvarado made a false statement during the interview.
It does show that questions about his prior internal-affairs history came up during Katy’s hiring process before the department decided not to move forward with him.
Alvarado responds to Bay City investigation
Alvarado also provided more information about a 2008 Bay City internal-affairs investigation.
He says the allegations were unfounded and resulted in no discipline.
According to Alvarado, the complaint came from a man he had previously arrested for assault causing bodily injury involving family violence.
Alvarado says the man later confronted him while he was off duty and tried to provoke a fight.
He says he de-escalated the situation and walked away.
According to Alvarado, the man later tried to hit him with a vehicle and made threats.
Alvarado says independent witnesses supported his version of events.
He says the investigation was then closed without discipline or even verbal counseling.
I am continuing to review records related to that Bay City matter.
2022 disclosure involved Alvarado
Alvarado’s Victoria County employment history later became relevant in a criminal case.
A June 2022 disclosure referenced information connected to the investigation that led to his termination.
The material involved concerns about possible illicit drug use and conduct unbecoming an officer.
Alvarado says he recently reviewed the disclosure connected to Cause Number 20-05-3213-D.
He says the request involved employment records that were available for review by the court.
Alvarado also says he confirmed with the Victoria County District Attorney’s Office that he is not on its “Brady List.”
He says he has testified in several criminal cases since then.
I have not independently confirmed that statement with the Victoria County District Attorney’s Office.
A disclosure of potential impeachment material does not automatically mean an officer committed a crime.
It also does not automatically mean an officer is permanently barred from testifying.
Personnel file also shows positive career history
The newly obtained personnel file contains favorable information about Alvarado as well.
That context matters.
Alvarado joined the Victoria County Sheriff’s Office in August 2014 after previously serving with the Bay City Police Department.
He later became an investigator.
A 2016 performance evaluation described his reports as clearly written and accurate.
The evaluation also noted his work on sexual assault and child sexual-abuse cases.
In addition, Alvarado worked with outside agencies and served as commander of the Victoria County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team.
Records show he earned advanced law-enforcement certifications and accumulated thousands of hours of training.
Therefore, the disciplinary records represent only one part of a much longer law-enforcement career.
Alvarado says Manvel had complete file
Alvarado later joined the Manvel Police Department and eventually moved into executive leadership.
He now serves as Interim Director of Public Safety and Chief of Police.
Alvarado says he was fully open during Manvel’s hiring process.
“The city had my complete background file,” he wrote.
That statement is significant because one of the main questions raised during this investigation was what Manvel knew before hiring and promoting him.
Alvarado says the city had the information.
Alvarado defends leadership record
Alvarado also pointed to his more than 20 years in law enforcement.
He cited experience in investigations, command, tactical operations, training and policy.
He says his leadership approach centers on accountability, transparency and what he described as “Extreme Ownership.”
Alvarado says he has focused on building a professional and accountable police department in Manvel.
He also says he believes public trust and responsible use of public resources are central to his leadership.
Questions still remain
Alvarado’s response answers several important questions.
However, the records still leave areas that warrant additional review.
One question involves what documentation Manvel received during its background investigation.
Another involves whether the city reviewed the Victoria County termination records and later disclosure material.
There is also the question of what Alvarado disclosed to different agencies during separate hiring processes.
The Katy voicemail raises one set of questions.
Alvarado’s statement about being fully transparent with Manvel provides his answer regarding another.
Those two hiring processes occurred at different times and involved different agencies.
Therefore, they should not automatically be treated as contradictory.
The records also show both positive performance history and serious disciplinary findings.
That distinction is important.
Prior investigations alone do not prove that Alvarado is unqualified to lead a police department.
At the same time, when a law-enforcement officer rises to the highest position in a department, the public has an interest in knowing what appears in that officer’s employment history.
The public also has an interest in knowing what city officials reviewed before making that decision.
I am continuing to review records and seek additional documentation.
This story will be updated if new information becomes available.
My new book, When Two Worlds Collide During WWII, follows two families on opposite sides of World War II and the remarkable events that eventually brought their lives together in Wisconsin.
Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This comes at no additional cost to you.
The Manvel civil rights lawsuit could be headed toward trial in spring 2027. However, a federal judge must first decide whether the case, or portions of it, can proceed.
Attorney Michael Kerensky confirmed Thursday, October 29, that the judge is reviewing competing motions for summary judgment in Marks v. City of Manvel.
The lawsuit involves allegations of constitutional violations stemming from a Manvel Police Department investigation.
Kerensky said no additional hearings are expected until the judge issues a ruling.
If claims remain for trial, the next court appearance will likely be a docket call to establish a trial schedule.
Although a spring 2027 trial is anticipated, the judge has not set a date.
What is the lawsuit about?
Former Manvel Police Chief Keith Traylor is among the officials whose actions are challenged in the federal civil-rights lawsuit.
The federal lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of Texas, Galveston Division, involves plaintiffs John Marks and Freddie Douglas.
The case challenges actions taken during a Manvel Police Department investigation and raises questions about whether the plaintiffs’ constitutional rights were violated.
Former Manvel Police Chief Keith Traylor is among the officials whose actions have been challenged in the litigation.
The plaintiffs’ claims remain allegations. The court has not made a final determination that the defendants violated anyone’s constitutional rights.
The litigation has involved sworn testimony from individuals connected to the underlying investigation.
Depositions allow attorneys to question witnesses under oath about their actions, knowledge and recollections.
Such testimony can play an important role in determining whether significant factual disputes exist and whether those disputes must be resolved at trial.
The proceedings have also involved questions concerning testimony from law-enforcement and prosecutorial officials.
A March 2026 court ruling addressed an interlocutory appeal related to depositions involving Texas Ranger Aaron Arizmendi and District Attorney Tom Selleck.
That procedural dispute is separate from the summary judgment motions now awaiting a decision.
What is summary judgment?
Both sides have asked the federal court to rule on legal issues before trial.
A motion for summary judgment allows a judge to resolve a claim when there is no genuine dispute over facts material to the decision and the moving party is entitled to judgment under the law.
The judge could dismiss some claims, allow others to proceed or issue a ruling that resolves the case without a trial.
The filing of competing motions does not mean either side has prevailed.
What happens next?
According to Kerensky, the court is not expected to schedule additional hearings until the pending motions are decided.
If claims remain for trial, the next step would likely be a docket call, during which the court could establish a trial schedule.
Kerensky anticipates a possible trial in spring 2027 but emphasized that scheduling is ultimately the judge’s decision.
The case remains unresolved.
Why this case matters
The lawsuit raises questions about the responsibilities of law-enforcement officers during criminal investigations and the constitutional protections afforded to individuals who become subjects of those investigations.
Federal civil-rights lawsuits can examine whether government officials acted within the limits of their legal authority.
However, allegations made in a lawsuit are not proof of misconduct, and the defendants have the opportunity to contest the claims.
The upcoming ruling could determine whether a jury will eventually hear the disputed evidence.
For now, the case remains in the hands of the federal judge.
This is an ongoing investigation. Additional reporting will follow when the court issues its ruling.
My new book, When Two Worlds Collide During WWII, follows two families on opposite sides of World War II and the remarkable events that eventually brought their lives together in Wisconsin.
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A single tip can reopen a cold case, lead investigators to missing evidence, or help a grieving family finally find answers. But what happens when someone knowingly gives police false information?
In Texas, providing false information to police during a criminal investigation can result in criminal charges, fines, and jail time.
Law enforcement agencies rely on witnesses to help solve crimes. Even information that surfaces decades later can be valuable. However, there is a legal difference between an honest mistake and a deliberate attempt to mislead investigators.
What Texas law says about false information to police
Texas Penal Code Section 37.08 addresses false reports made to law enforcement officers and certain investigators.
Under Texas Penal Code Section 37.08, a person commits an offense when they knowingly make a materially false statement to an authorized investigator with the intent to deceive.
The offense is classified as a Class B misdemeanor.
A conviction can carry:
Up to 180 days in county jail. A fine of up to $2,000. Both jail time and a fine.
The law does not require someone to invent an entire crime. A knowingly false statement about an important detail in an investigation may be enough to violate the statute.
What happens when someone makes a false crime report?
Law enforcement investigations require personnel, equipment, and resources. Knowingly false crime reports can divert those resources.
Texas Penal Code Section 42.06 addresses certain false reports involving crimes or emergencies.
A person who knowingly communicates a false or baseless report that meets the statute’s requirements may face a Class A misdemeanor. Certain reports involving schools, public transportation, or essential public services can result in felony charges.
Other laws may apply when false reports trigger dangerous emergency responses.
Why false information can hurt cold case investigations
Search crews excavate an area near a Brazoria County cemetery after new witness information raised questions about the possible location of Rebecca Beard’s remains.
Cold cases often depend on information that surfaces years or even decades after the original investigation.
Witnesses may remember a conversation, recognize a location, or decide to share information they previously withheld.
These tips deserve careful consideration.
But knowingly fabricated information can send investigators in the wrong direction.
It can also consume investigative resources, lead to unnecessary searches, and create false hope for families who have spent years waiting for answers.
When investigators search a property or examine a possible burial site, the information that prompted the search must be evaluated alongside physical evidence and independent corroboration.
A witness statement alone does not establish that a crime occurred at a particular location.
Being mistaken is not the same as lying
An excavation near a Brazoria County cemetery during the renewed search for Rebecca Beard, who disappeared in 1986. Investigators examined the area following new witness information.
This distinction is especially important.
Human memory is imperfect. Details can become unclear over time. Witnesses may confuse dates, locations, or conversations.
An honest mistake does not automatically constitute a criminal offense.
Texas Penal Code Section 37.08 requires proof that a person knowingly made a materially false statement with the intent to deceive.
Investigators must distinguish between inaccurate recollections, misunderstandings, secondhand information, and deliberate deception.
Why witnesses should still come forward
A recreation of the outfit Rebecca “Becky” Beard was reportedly wearing when she vanished in March 1986. Her family continues searching for answers 40 years later.
The possibility of criminal penalties should never discourage someone from reporting information they genuinely believe could help solve a crime.
A witness does not need to have every answer.
Someone may remember a suspicious vehicle, an unusual conversation, or activity near a location connected to an investigation.
Even decades later, that information may be important.
The best approach is to explain exactly what was personally observed, identify information learned from others, and acknowledge uncertainty.
Investigators can then determine whether the information can be independently verified.
The responsibility that comes with reporting a crime
Search crews excavate an area near a Brazoria County cemetery following new witness information in the 1986 disappearance of Rebecca “Becky” Beard.
Families of missing persons and homicide victims deserve answers based on credible evidence.
Investigators deserve truthful information. Witnesses deserve to be heard and treated fairly.
And the public deserves to understand that deliberately misleading law enforcement can carry legal consequences.
Coming forward with information can be an act of courage.
Knowingly inventing information is something entirely different.
The message is simple: If you know something about a crime, speak up. But tell the truth. Someone’s family may be depending on it.
My new book, When Two Worlds Collide During WWII, follows two families on opposite sides of World War II and the remarkable events that eventually brought their lives together in Wisconsin.
Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This comes at no additional cost to you.
Nearly 40 years after Rebecca Beard’s murder, a four-hour excavation near a Brazoria County cemetery ended without the discovery of her remains.
The search followed a disturbing claim from a witness who says she watched the 22-year-old woman buried alive in 1986.
While I was in Dubai, a nearby property owner contacted me about repeated visits by retired Brazoria County District Attorney’s Office investigator John Blankenship. The owner also claimed he witnessed suspicious activity in the area around the time Beard disappeared.
Shortly after Blankenship spoke with the property owner, a search took place with assistance from Texas EquuSearch.
According to a source familiar with the operation, nothing was found.
Witness claims she watched Rebecca Beard buried alive
Area near the cemetery identified as a possible burial site in the Rebecca Beard murder investigation.
In January 2026, a woman came forward with a disturbing account of what she claims happened nearly 40 years earlier.
She alleged that she was present the night Beard was killed in March 1986.
According to the witness, she followed the suspects from the Excalibur Club in Freeport to an area near a cemetery.
There, she claims, she watched them bury Beard alive.
The witness identified a possible burial location near the cemetery.
Her allegations remain unverified. No publicly confirmed physical evidence has established that Beard was buried at that location.
Nevertheless, her account brought renewed attention to an area connected to one of Brazoria County’s longest-running murder mysteries.
District attorney’s investigators questioned witness credibility
Recreation showing Rebecca “Becky” Beard wearing clothing similar to what she reportedly wore the night she disappeared in 1986.
Beard’s family later met with representatives of the Brazoria County District Attorney’s Office and investigators to discuss the witness’s allegations.
During a recorded meeting, investigators explained why they did not believe the woman’s account.
They said she had changed parts of her story.
According to investigators, those inconsistencies raised concerns about her credibility.
Despite the witness’s claims, investigators did not consider her account reliable.
However, the question of where Beard’s remains are located remains unanswered.
Property owner contacts reporter about activity near cemetery
Vehicles and search personnel gather near the cemetery following renewed interest in a possible burial location for Rebecca “Becky” Beard.
While I was in Dubai in October 2026, a property owner near the cemetery contacted me about several visits by retired Brazoria County District Attorney’s Office investigator John Blankenship.
The owner said Blankenship had been looking near the area where a witness claimed Rebecca Beard was buried in 1986.
During our conversation, the owner revealed that he had witnessed suspicious activity in the same area around the time Beard disappeared.
However, he said he initially believed the activity might involve satanic rituals or the burial of animals. He had previously noticed activity in the area that led him to that suspicion.
At the time, he did not believe he had witnessed anything connected to a murder. As a result, he never contacted police.
His suspicions remain unverified, and there is no established evidence connecting satanic activity or animal burials to Beard’s murder.
Shortly after Blankenship spoke with the property owner, a search took place near the cemetery.
Four-hour excavation finds nothing
Texas EquuSearch was brought in to assist with the search near the Brazoria County cemetery.
Photographs show excavation equipment removing soil while search personnel carefully examined the ground by hand.
The search focused on an area near where a witness claimed Rebecca Beard was buried alive in 1986.
The operation lasted approximately four hours.
Despite the extensive digging, a source familiar with the search said nothing was found.
Nearly 40 years after Beard’s murder, her remains are still missing.
The latest search has not resolved the questions surrounding her disappearance or the witness’s allegations.
Rebecca Beard disappeared after visiting Freeport nightclub
Rebecca Beard was just 22 years old when she disappeared in March 1986.
She had visited the Excalibur Club in Freeport before vanishing.
Her disappearance left behind a young daughter and a family desperate for answers.
In 1995, Paul Taylor Jr. pleaded guilty to her murder.
However, Beard’s body was never recovered.
Over the years, investigators examined evidence connected to the Excalibur Club and a residence in Clute.
Former investigators also raised questions about evidence discovered during earlier searches.
Despite those investigative efforts, Beard’s remains have never been located.
Family has searched for answers for four decades
For Beard’s mother, Linda Barnes, and sister, Carol Mize, the search has continued for nearly 40 years.
Both have spent decades trying to learn what happened to Becky and where her remains may be.
The latest excavation did not provide the answers they have sought.
Investigators have questioned the cemetery witness’s credibility. The property owner’s account of suspicious activity also remains unverified.
Still, the recent search shows that possible leads continue to emerge decades after Beard’s murder.
The latest excavation raises an important question.
If investigators did not believe the cemetery witness, what prompted renewed interest in the area?
That question remains unanswered.
For Beard’s family, the ultimate goal has not changed.
They want to find Becky and bring her home.
Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose continues investigating the Rebecca Beard murder through public records, interviews, and firsthand accounts. Her documentary, Finding Becky Beard, examines evidence, witness statements, and unanswered questions surrounding the 1986 case. The documentary is available on YouTube.
My new book, When Two Worlds Collide During WWII, follows two families on opposite sides of World War II and the remarkable events that eventually brought their lives together in Wisconsin.
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During my Dubai desert safari, I rode another camel. Unlike the camels I encountered on the beach, these camels wore protective mouth coverings and had handlers supervising the rides.
Imagine standing on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The sun shines over the water. Tourists stroll along the sand. You’re enjoying the first day of your dream vacation.
Then, without warning, a camel bites you in the back.
That’s exactly what happened to me on my first day in Dubai.
I traveled thousands of miles from Houston to enjoy beautiful beaches, desert adventures and unforgettable experiences.
Instead, I ended up at urgent care, a hospital and a police station.
The camel bite broke my skin. Doctors started a series of five rabies vaccinations as a precaution.
And that was only the beginning of my Dubai adventure.
After years of traveling internationally, I’ve learned one important lesson. Never underestimate the value of travel medical insurance.
Believe me, I’ve had my share of vacation medical emergencies.
A camel bite on a beautiful Dubai beach
Camels walk along Dubai’s JBR Beach with the city’s skyscrapers in the background. One of these camels later bit me in the back, breaking my skin and sending me to the hospital for rabies vaccinations.
My first day in Dubai started with excitement. I couldn’t wait to explore the beaches and take photographs.
Earlier, I watched a handler walking camels along the beach. The animals attracted attention from tourists enjoying the scenery.
Later, I noticed the camels standing without a handler nearby.
I didn’t see anyone supervising them.
The animals also had no muzzles or protective mouth coverings.
I wanted to take a photograph when one of the camels suddenly bit me in the back.
The bite broke my skin.
I never imagined that a simple vacation photograph could turn into a medical emergency.
One minute, I was enjoying a beautiful beach. The next, I was trying to figure out where to get medical attention in a foreign country.
From urgent care to the hospital for rabies shots
The camel bite broke the skin on my back and left a circular mark. I sought medical attention in Dubai and began a series of rabies vaccinations as a precaution.
After the camel bite in Dubai, I went to urgent care.
Medical staff examined the injury. Because the camel broke my skin, they directed me to a hospital for additional treatment.
Doctors started a rabies vaccination series as a precaution.
My treatment plan includes five doses. Today, I’m receiving my second shot.
That doesn’t mean the camel had rabies. I have no evidence that it did.
However, doctors take possible rabies exposure seriously because the disease can become fatal once symptoms develop.
Animal bites can also cause bacterial infections.
I certainly never expected to spend part of my Dubai vacation getting rabies vaccinations.
But I wasn’t about to take chances with my health.
Dubai law and the responsibility of animal handlers
One detail continues to bother me.
Earlier that day, I watched someone walking the camels along the beach. Yet when the bite happened, I couldn’t see a handler anywhere.
The animals appeared to be unattended.
Dubai has laws that place responsibilities on animal keepers.
Article 29 of Dubai Law No. 5 of 2025 addresses animal control and prohibits keepers from leaving animals unrestrained or astray.
I believe authorities should examine whether the handler followed the applicable rules.
Camels are large, powerful animals. Even a brief bite can cause a serious injury.
What if the camel had bitten a small child?
Tourists frequently stop to photograph camels. That makes proper supervision especially important in public areas.
My desert safari showed a very different approach to camel safety
Here’s something interesting.
Despite getting bitten on my first day in Dubai, I later went on a desert safari excursion.
And yes, I rode another camel!
However, I immediately noticed a major difference between the camels at the beach and those at the desert safari.
Every camel I saw during the organized safari had a protective mouth covering.
Handlers also supervised the animals during the camel rides.
The camels on the public beach had no mouth coverings. I also saw no handler nearby when the bite occurred.
The difference stood out to me.
Why did the desert safari operators use protective mouth coverings while the camels on the public beach had none?
I don’t know whether Dubai law requires those coverings in either setting. However, I saw firsthand how differently the two experiences operated.
My desert safari camel ride went smoothly. I enjoyed the excursion and continued exploring Dubai.
I don’t blame all camels for what happened.
But I do believe the people responsible for handling these animals should take reasonable precautions to protect tourists.
Filing a Dubai police report took hours
After seeking medical treatment, I decided to file a police report.
I wanted authorities to document the camel bite and examine the circumstances.
I waited nearly three hours for police to arrive.
Then I had to travel approximately another hour to provide an official statement.
By the time I finished, it was almost 11 p.m.
That was my first day in Dubai.
Instead of enjoying a relaxing evening, I spent hours dealing with medical appointments and police procedures.
I hope authorities review what happened and determine whether the animals had adequate supervision.
More importantly, I hope my experience helps prevent another tourist from getting hurt.
Why travel medical insurance matters
Exploring the Dubai desert was one of the highlights of my trip. But after medical emergencies in several countries, including a camel bite in Dubai, I’ve learned why travel medical insurance is so important.
I’ve traveled to many countries over the years. I’ve experienced beautiful destinations, incredible adventures and unforgettable moments.
I’ve also had more than my share of unexpected medical problems.
The camel bite in Dubai is only the latest.
These experiences have taught me why travelers should consider medical insurance before leaving the United States.
COVID-19 during a trip to Greece
Exploring the historic sites of Athens, Greece, was unforgettable. Unfortunately, I also contracted COVID-19 during my vacation, another reminder of why travel medical insurance matters.
During one vacation in Greece, I contracted COVID-19.
Getting sick overseas creates challenges you might never consider at home.
You have to find medical care, manage your symptoms and determine whether you’re healthy enough to travel.
You may also face unexpected hotel expenses if an illness delays your return.
A scooter crash in Turks and Caicos
My partner was driving when we crashed a scooter during our vacation in Turks and Caicos. We both suffered injuries. His foot had painful cuts and abrasions, turning our island adventure into another reminder of why travel medical insurance matters.
On another vacation, my partner crashed a scooter in Turks and Caicos. We were both hurt.
What started as an adventure quickly became an accident.
Scooters can be a popular way to explore an island. However, even experienced travelers can suffer injuries.
An accident can also leave you facing unfamiliar medical systems and unexpected expenses.
A flesh-eating bacterial infection in Honduras
During a snorkeling trip in Honduras, I scraped my lower leg against coral. What seemed like a minor injury turned into a frightening experience when I developed a flesh-eating bacterial infection. Another reminder of why travel medical insurance matters.
One of my most frightening travel experiences happened while snorkeling in Honduras.
During the excursion, my leg struck coral and broke the skin. What started as a minor injury turned into a serious medical problem when I developed a flesh-eating bacterial infection.
I never imagined that brushing against coral while enjoying the beautiful underwater scenery could lead to such a frightening experience.
The infection required medical attention and taught me another important lesson about traveling. Even a small wound can become dangerous, especially when bacteria enter broken skin.
It’s another reason I believe travel medical insurance is so important.
Getting sick after jumping into a cenote in Mexico
During my vacation in Mexico, I jumped into a beautiful cenote surrounded by lush tropical scenery. Unfortunately, I became sick afterward. Another unexpected travel experience that reminded me why medical insurance matters.
During a trip to Mexico, I jumped into a beautiful cenote.
These natural swimming holes attract visitors from around the world.
Unfortunately, I became sick afterward.
I can’t confirm whether the water caused my illness. However, the timing certainly made the experience memorable.
Between Greece, Turks and Caicos, Honduras, Mexico and now Dubai, I’ve collected quite a few unusual travel medical stories.
You really can’t make this stuff up.
What travel medical insurance may cover
Chasing sunsets in the Dubai desert. My adventures have taken me around the world, but unexpected medical emergencies have taught me why travel medical insurance is essential.
Many people purchase travel insurance because they worry about canceled flights, lost luggage or missed connections.
But medical emergencies can become much more expensive.
Depending on the policy, travel medical insurance may help pay for:
Emergency doctor visits and hospital treatment
Prescription medications and medical testing
Emergency transportation and medical evacuation
Treatment following certain accidents or illnesses
Additional medical expenses covered under the policy
Some plans require you to pay upfront and submit a claim later.
Others may coordinate payment directly with a hospital.
Always review the coverage limits, deductibles and exclusions before purchasing a policy.
Pay special attention to adventure activities.
Scooter riding, diving, desert excursions and other recreational activities may require additional coverage.
Travel insurance policies vary. Don’t assume every medical emergency or activity qualifies for reimbursement.
What to do if an animal bites you overseas
Making new friends during my Dubai desert safari. Despite my camel bite and unexpected medical treatment, I continued exploring Dubai and enjoying unforgettable experiences.
My camel bite in Dubai taught me how quickly an ordinary vacation moment can turn into a medical emergency.
If an animal bites you while traveling, take the injury seriously.
Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water. Seek medical care promptly, even if the injury appears minor.
Ask a healthcare professional about infection, tetanus and rabies exposure.
Take photographs of the injury and document what happened.
Keep your medical records, receipts and any official incident reports.
Those documents may become important if you need additional treatment or file an insurance claim.
And remember, an animal doesn’t have to appear sick to cause a serious injury.
One camel bite won’t ruin my Dubai vacation
Despite everything, I refuse to let this incident ruin my trip.
Dubai is a beautiful destination. I’ve enjoyed exploring the city, visiting the beaches and experiencing the desert.
I even got back on a camel during my safari excursion.
But I certainly learned to pay closer attention to how people supervise animals around tourists.
Looking back at my international adventures, I have quite a collection of medical stories.
COVID-19 in Greece. A scooter crash in Turks and Caicos. A flesh-eating bacterial infection in Honduras. Getting sick after jumping into a cenote in Mexico.
And now, a camel bite in Dubai.
Some travelers collect souvenirs.
Apparently, I collect medical emergencies.
At least I have some incredible stories to tell.
My advice? Enjoy the adventure, take the photographs and explore the world. But consider buying travel medical insurance before you leave home.
You never know when your dream vacation might take an unexpected turn.
Have you ever experienced a medical emergency while traveling internationally? Did travel insurance help? Share your experience in the comments.
Follow Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose at chopperrose.com for more travel stories, firsthand experiences and investigative reporting.
My new book, When Two Worlds Collide During WWII, follows two families on opposite sides of World War II and the remarkable events that eventually brought their lives together in Wisconsin.
Exclusive: Toxic workplace allegations emerge in Manvel police chief retirement records
By Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose
Newly obtained records raise questions about the Manvel police chief retirement and the events that led to it.
The documents reveal allegations of retaliation, abuse of authority and a toxic work environment. They also include a proposed termination notice and a negotiated retirement agreement.
Former Police Chief Keith Traylor left the department on September 30, 2026.
However, the records suggest city officials considered another outcome before his departure.
Manvel police chief faced proposed termination
A proposed termination notice included in September 10, 2026, records outlined plans to remove Manvel Police Chief Keith Traylor, subject to City Council concurrence.
A September 10, 2026, email included a proposed termination notice for Traylor.
The notice stated that City Manager Dan Johnson had decided to terminate the chief, pending City Council approval.
The document also addressed administrative leave and the next steps if the council rejected the decision.
However, the records reviewed do not establish that the council approved his termination.
Instead, the city and Traylor reached a separation agreement.
The proposed termination notice followed a September 3, 2026, formal complaint filed by Chris Day, a former Manvel police employee and president of the Manvel Police Association.
Day alleged retaliation, abuse of authority and violations of department disciplinary procedures. He also questioned whether his own termination had been predetermined, pointing to a termination letter dated August 12, one day before his August 13 disciplinary meeting.
Day requested an independent investigation into Chief Keith Traylor’s conduct, including allegations of intimidation and a toxic workplace.
The complaint also raised concerns about a possible vote of no confidence in Traylor’s leadership.
These allegations have not been independently substantiated, and the complaint does not establish that Traylor violated department policy or state law.
Records reveal toxic workplace allegations
Text messages obtained through public records describe allegations of retaliation, threats of termination and a vote of no confidence involving Manvel Police Department leadership.
Additional documents describe serious disputes inside the Manvel Police Department.
A formal complaint alleges retaliation, abuse of authority and a toxic work environment.
Other records include messages from a former employee who claimed department leaders treated him unfairly.
He alleged that the chief retaliated against him after he filed a complaint. He also described threats of termination and ongoing workplace conflict.
The messages reference a vote of no confidence involving department leadership.
These claims remain allegations.
Source document: September 30, 2026, response from Mayor Dan Davis
The documents reviewed do not independently establish their accuracy.
Former officer questioned whether termination was predetermined
A September 3, 2026, formal complaint submitted by former Manvel police employee Chris Day raises additional questions about the disciplinary process under former Police Chief Keith Traylor.
Day alleged that his termination may have been predetermined, pointing to a termination letter dated August 12, one day before his August 13 disciplinary meeting.
He also alleged that he was not provided all investigative materials before his termination, received insufficient time to respond to disciplinary findings and was given approximately 45 minutes’ notice before an administrative interview.
Day, who identified himself as president of the Manvel Police Association, also raised concerns about possible retaliation. According to his complaint, association members had discussed a possible vote of no confidence in Traylor.
The complaint requested an independent investigation, preservation of relevant records and consideration of placing Traylor on paid administrative leave while the allegations were examined.
Day acknowledged that his termination appeal had been denied. His complaint sought a separate investigation into whether the disciplinary process had been handled properly.
These allegations have not been independently established by the complaint itself, and the records reviewed here do not establish that Traylor violated department policy or Texas law.
The separation agreement describes Traylor’s departure as a voluntary retirement in good standing.
The timing of the agreement raises additional questions. A proposed termination notice dated September 10, 2026, indicates City Manager Dan Johnson was considering terminating Traylor’s employment, pending City Council approval. Yet the signed separation agreement states that Traylor submitted his voluntary retirement notice that same day. The agreement ultimately characterized his departure as a voluntary retirement in good standing.
The records raise an important question: What happened between the proposed termination and the negotiated retirement agreement?
Section 3 addresses his personnel file, disciplinary records and employment references.
The agreement restricts the city from adding certain materials about inquiries to his personnel file or Texas Commission on Law Enforcement records.
It also requires the city to report his departure as a voluntary retirement.
Additionally, the agreement provides salary and accrued leave payments.
It includes continued health coverage under specified terms.
The city and Traylor agreed that the settlement did not constitute an admission of wrongdoing.
Mayor publicly praised Traylor
Text messages obtained through public records show KPRC 2 reporter Corley Peel questioning Manvel Mayor Dan Davis about Police Chief Keith Traylor’s retirement. Davis denied a connection to recent Flock camera decisions and said Traylor had discussed retirement for years. Photo credit: City of Manvel public records, September 2026.
On September 16, a KPRC reporter asked Manvel Mayor Dan Davis about the retirement.
Davis said Traylor had discussed retirement for several years.
He also praised the chief’s leadership and service to the city.
However, the proposed termination notice raises questions about what city officials discussed before the retirement agreement.
Questions remain about Manvel police leadership
The records reveal a department facing workplace allegations and internal disputes.
They also document a proposed termination and a later agreement that characterized Traylor’s departure as voluntary.
Several questions remain.
What prompted the proposed termination? How did city officials investigate the workplace complaints? What led to the final retirement agreement?
The documents reviewed do not fully answer those questions.
Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose continues to examine the records surrounding Traylor’s departure.
My new book, When Two Worlds Collide During WWII, follows two families on opposite sides of World War II and the remarkable events that eventually brought their lives together in Wisconsin.
My dad introduced me to adventure long before I started traveling the world. His love of exploring new places continues to inspire me today.
Tomorrow, I board a plane to Dubai. It’s a trip I’ve wanted to take for years.
But this adventure means more to me than visiting another country.
It reminds me of my dad.
He introduced me to the world of travel when I was young. Now, as I begin a new chapter, I want to honor that gift.
How my dad inspired my love of travel
Berlin, Germany, 1991. I took this photo of my dad during a trip we shared. Looking back, I realize how much those early adventures inspired my lifelong love of travel.
My dad owned a travel agency when I was growing up in Wisconsin.
He loved discovering new places. He also loved sharing that excitement with others.
Because of him, I dreamed about seeing the world.
I imagined visiting distant countries, meeting new people and exploring different cultures.
However, life took me in another direction.
After high school, I pursued a career in broadcasting. That decision changed my life.
Thirty years of telling other people’s stories
My early broadcasting days at WXVT 15 News in Greenville, Mississippi, where I served as the main weather anchor. Journalism became my career, but my love of travel never faded.
For more than 30 years, journalism became my world.
I covered breaking news, investigated crimes and shared stories that mattered.
Eventually, my career brought me to Houston.
For nine years, I reported from a helicopter above the city.
I watched beautiful sunrises and sunsets from thousands of feet in the air.
I loved those moments.
Still, the demanding schedule left little time for travel.
I spent years telling other people’s stories. Meanwhile, I kept putting my own adventures on hold.
The trips my dad never got to take
The breathtaking Whitsunday Islands in Australia, 2024. I visited on my dad’s birthday to honor his dream of seeing Australia. He never made it there, but I carried his love of travel with me.
My dad passed away in 2018.
Even today, I think about the places he wanted to visit,.
Australia was on his bucket list. So, in 2024, I traveled there on his birthday.
It was my way of honoring him and experiencing a place he had always dreamed of seeing.
I wish we could have shared more adventures together.
But I can’t change the past.
Instead, I can carry his love of travel into my future.
That’s what makes this next chapter so meaningful.
Why I’m traveling to Dubai
On October 13, I’m leaving Houston for Dubai.
I’ll explore a city I’ve never visited. I also plan to experience the desert, enjoy the water and discover a new culture.
Most importantly, I’ll finally give myself time to explore.
After years of early mornings and breaking news, that feels exciting.
Of course, I still love journalism.
I’m not retiring from telling stories.
Instead, I’m stepping away from daily helicopter reporting. I’ll continue my investigative work, true crime coverage and independent reporting.
Now, I’ll also share my travels.
A new chapter, inspired by my dad
As I prepare for Dubai, I keep thinking about my dad.
He showed me that the world offers endless possibilities.
I just needed to make time to explore them.
I wish he could join me on this trip.
But in many ways, he’s coming along.
His love of travel started this dream.
And now, I’m finally following it.
Sometimes the greatest adventure isn’t about where you’re going. It’s about remembering who inspired you to go.
Follow my journey here on ChopperRose.com and on my YouTube channel, Tammy Rose Reports.
My new book, When Two Worlds Collide During WWII, follows two families on opposite sides of World War II and the remarkable events that eventually brought their lives together in Wisconsin.
