Investigators Seek Information on Person of Interest in Cold Case

A 5-year-old cold case investigation got a huge break this week, as investigators working to solve the 2010 death of Brian Plunkett released a composite sketch of a man they believe may have been involved in his death.

Lieutenant Terry Lowe, a detective who has been working the county’s cold cases for the past two years, said the release of the composite follows a series of interviews and information gathering on behalf of the sheriff’s office and other agencies.

“We conducted interviews and polygraphs and [had] forensic artists in conjunction with the Rangers and the Texas Department of Public Safety, of course, who provide all those experts for us [that are working on the case],” Lowe said. “We developed new information and got a composite of a person of interest and we’d like to see if we can get the public’s assistance in identifying him.”

Lowe explained that the Plunkett case started out when he was listed as a missing person on June 13, 2010.  

“They found his skeletal remains October 25^th of 2010 out at area seven at the state park,” Lowe said. “It’s been a death investigation for five years, a cold case that I inherited.”

Plunkett was 23 when his remains were found out at the state park. He was from Louisiana. Due to the level of decomposition when his skeleton was found, Plunkett's cause of death was deemed unknown. Because of this, the case has remained open these past five years as a death investigation, not a murder. Should further evidence emerge that indicates foul play, the case may turn into a homicide investigation, however at the moment Lowe is still gathering information on the death.

The man depicted in the composite sketch is believed to know more about Plunkett's death, and investigators are seeking the public's help in identifying him. He was described as a white male, approximately 5'10" tall, with dirty blonde hair and blue eyes. Pock marks are visible on his cheeks and a pronounced scar marks the area above his left eye. Lowe described the man's physique as stocky. The sketch is drawn as he appeared in 2010, so his appearance may have changed some since then, Lowe said.

Those who believe they may know the identity of the man in the sketch or who have further information on the death of Brian Plunkett are urged to contact the sheriff's office at 655-8111, or provide anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIPS-247.