Why Brittany Pipkin Questions the Original Investigation
BEAUMONT, Texas — More than four decades after Rebecca Beard disappeared and was later presumed murdered, her family says they are still searching for answers.
After reviewing decades of police reports, Rebecca’s daughter, Brittany Pipkin, believes there are questions that remain unanswered about several people whose names appear throughout the investigation.
Among them are businessman Arch Aplin and John Cohn.
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Investigative Reporter Tammy Rose sat down with Brittany Pipkin to discuss why she believes additional questions should be asked about individuals named in the original investigation.
Questions About Arch Aplin
According to police reports reviewed by the family, Arch Aplin’s name appears numerous times throughout the investigation.
Pipkin says she first became aware of Aplin while reviewing records connected to her mother’s case.
“When I was younger, I was a huge fan because I saw his name in all the police reports,” Pipkin said.
According to Pipkin, reports indicate Aplin had contact with Rebecca Beard before her disappearance and later communicated frequently with investigators.
Police records also reference reward money being offered during the investigation.
“He was contacting detectives almost daily,” Pipkin said. “He’s offering rewards.”
Despite that involvement, Pipkin says she has never had an opportunity to speak with Aplin directly.
“I’ve sent him a few emails,” she said. “He’s never reached out to talk to us.”
Pipkin says she would like the opportunity to ask questions about Rebecca’s final days and what information he may remember from that time period.
“I would love to ask him if he knows more than what was told to investigators,” she said.
Conflicting Accounts Raise Questions
Questions Surrounding John Cohn
Pipkin also wants to speak with John Cohn, whose name appears in investigative records.
According to police reports, Cohn reportedly contacted then-Brazoria County Sheriff E.J. “Joe” King shortly after Rebecca’s murder.
The reports indicate Cohn allegedly told authorities that his friend and co-owner of a home on Third Street in Clute was responsible for Rebecca’s death.
That individual, Paul Taylor Jr., would not be charged until approximately nine years later.
Taylor eventually pleaded guilty in connection with the case.
For Pipkin, the timeline raises questions.
“What did people know, and when did they know it?” she asked.
She believes additional information may still exist regarding what occurred in the days immediately following Rebecca’s disappearance.
“I think he knows a lot more than what has been stated,” Pipkin said.
The Family Says This Is About Finding The Truth
Pipkin emphasizes that the family’s goal is not to publicly accuse anyone.
Instead, she says they are seeking answers and hoping investigators continue pursuing leads that could help locate Rebecca’s remains.
“We’re not doing this to accuse anybody,” Pipkin said.
“We just want the truth. We want to bring her home.”
More than 40 years after Rebecca Beard vanished, the family says that goal has never changed.
They want a place to visit.
A place to leave flowers.
And finally, a place to lay Rebecca Beard to rest.
Related Coverage
Read Part Two:
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Editor’s Note
The individuals named in this story have not been charged with Rebecca Beard’s murder. Statements referenced in this article are drawn from interviews, court records and police reports reviewed by the family. Investigators have not publicly announced additional suspects in the case.
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📖 I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara
A bestselling investigation into the Golden State Killer case.
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