An Abilene, Texas, man arrested last year after DNA testing linked him to a 1982 cold case died while out on bail awaiting trial.
The Abilene Police Department announced on Facebook that Billy Brown, 66, a suspect under investigation in the unsolved murders of Susannah Flores Brown, then 30, and her 8-year-old daughter Francesca Antionette Martinez in 1982, died on July 27, 2024.
In March of 1982, the Abilene Police Department was dispatched to a double homicide in the 1300 block of South Bowie Street.
When they arrived at the scene, the victims had been murdered.
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Billy Brown, who was charged with two counts of murder in the 1982 murders of a mother and daughter, died last week while awaiting trial. (Taylor County Jail)
According to court documents obtained by KTAB in Abilene, officers found the mother face-up on the floor with multiple wounds and a lamp cord wrapped around her neck. She also reportedly had feces smeared on her body, but investigators didn’t believe it came from her body.
The daughter was also found lying on the floor, with parts of her body under the bed and a telephone cord wrapped around her neck.
After an investigation, detectives believe both victims died from strangulation.
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The warrant, which allowed investigators to obtain a DNA sample from Brown, was crucial in solving the Texas cold case. (iStock)
According to court documents, Brown told investigators at the time that he brought home chicken for dinner and ate it with his family before leaving for work. He reportedly said he returned home to find Francesca and Susanna dead. Court documents also said Brown did not appear “very upset” by the deaths of the mother and daughters and even joked about them.
Further investigation revealed that Billy and Susannah had been having relationship problems, with family and friends telling investigators that Billy appeared to be “controlling and abusive.”
The case remained unsolved for 41 years.
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The DNA sample allowed authorities to arrest Brown in 2023 on two murder charges. (iStock)
Investigators attempted to speak with Brown further, but he reportedly declined the requests and refused to submit to a DNA test.
Last January, investigators found DNA in Susanna’s mouth, which they believed likely belonged to Brown. In July 2023, investigators were able to obtain a warrant to collect Brown’s DNA, and when the sample was taken, Brown reportedly said, “I think I signed my own death warrant.”
He was subsequently arrested on two counts of murder in October 2023 and released on $200,000 bail.
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“While loss of life is always a tragedy, we believe it is important to recognize the efforts of the dedicated officers and investigators who worked tirelessly to prosecute Mr. Brown,” the Abilene Police Department said in a statement. “Their dedication to justice reflects the values and mission of the Abilene Police Department, especially during these difficult times. We remain focused on seeking justice for the victim and providing closure for the family. We will continue to support everyone affected by this incident and strive to ensure our community remains a safe and fair place for all.”
