DPS Seeks Help in '92 Cold Case Murder

AUSTIN, Texas - The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is asking for the public’s help in solving the 1992 murder of Natasha Atchley, 19, in Shepard, Texas.

According to a press release, “As part of the DPS public awareness program, one unsolved case is featured each month by the Texas Rangers Unsolved Crimes Investigation Team in an effort to generate new investigative leads and bring added attention to unresolved or 'cold cases' across the state.”

On May 3, 1992, Atchley’s car was found burned on a rural dirt road approximately one mile from a birthday party in Shepard (San Jacinto County) that she had attended. Her body was found in the trunk of the vehicle.

“Atchley previously attended high school in nearby Livingston (Polk County), but moved to Odessa and graduated from high school there in 1990,” the press release added. “She was visiting friends from the Livingston area at the time of her murder.”

A reward of $1,000 from the Montgomery County (Multi-County) Crime Stoppers is being offered for information leading to a felony arrest in the investigation.

To be eligible for the cash reward, the tip must be submitted by calling 1-800-392-7867, or by visiting the DPS website.

The press release also said, “Individuals can submit information through the Texas Rangers’ Cold Case website, or contact the Missing Persons Clearinghouse at 1-800-346-3243.”

The Texas Ranger Unsolved Crimes Investigation Team was created to assist Texas law enforcement agencies investigation unsolved murders or violent serial crimes. Since there is no statute of limitations for the offense of murder, investigators pursue these cases to a successful resolution or until no viable leads remain.

In addition, DPS created the Texas Rangers’ Unsolved Homicides webpage aimed at renewing public interest in unsolved crimes cases. The site features more than 75 cases, including the division’s Top 12 Unsolved Cold Case Investigations. For more information, visit the Texas Rangers’ Cold Case website.