Brown County Sheriff George Caldwell gave an update on the investigation involving the murder of 25-year-old Chantay Blankinship.
Blankinship was murdered on Sunday, May 15th and her body was found 5 miles from the North Lake Brownwood Community. Her killer has not been identified, and this has left the North Lake Brownwood communities of Harbor Point, Thunderbird Bay and Tamarack Mountain concerned.
Caldwell stated that Blakinship was killed by blunt force trauma and that the investigation has shown how she was killed but not who did it. “We need to find out who did this. The people in the community are worried it could be someone living next door.”
Because of this, the three subdivision associations at North Lake Brownwood have worked together, pledging $1000 each, for a total of $3000 reward being offered for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of a suspect. Those with information are asked to call the Brown County Sheriff’s Office at 325-646-5510. Those interested in joining in the reward effort may also call the Sheriff’s Office at the above number to make a donation to increase the reward amount.
“We hope to get a good chunk of money that might motivate someone who knows what happened to come forward,” said Sheriff Caldwell.
Several suspects have been interviewed and polygraphed, according to Caldwell who stated that these individuals have been cleared as suspects. More possible suspects are continuing to be interviewed, but Caldwell asked that the public help with any tips, that even “hunches” will be considered.
“We are asking for any information from the public. We don’t want to leave any stone unturned,” said Caldwell.
He explained that the investigation is very early in the forensic stages which could take up to two months and that an official autopsy result has not been released. Investigators from BSCO were present during the autopsy and got verbal information at that time, but that because the investigation is still ongoing, this information was not being released at this time. He stated that the lead investigator Scott Byrd was taking more evidence today to Tarrant County to get forensics performed.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Brown County Sheriff’s Office at 325-646-5510.
