A 42-Year Mystery: The Last Suspect in the Texas KFC Killings
A Breakthrough in a 40-Year-Old Mystery
A cold case from 1983 has finally been closed after the last suspect in the infamous Texas KFC murders was identified. Devan Riggs, who has been deceased for over a decade, was pinpointed through advanced DNA technology. This breakthrough came after the Texas Rangers reopened the case in 2023, leading to a renewed investigation.
The Brutal Crime
The victims—Opie Hughes, Mary Tyler, Joey Johnson, David Maxwell, and Monty Landers—were brutally murdered in an execution-style shooting. They were abducted from a KFC in Kilgore and later found on a remote oil lease in Rusk County. The case remained unsolved for years until DNA evidence finally pointed to two suspects:
- Romeo Pinkerton (convicted in 2007)
- Darnell Hartsfield (convicted in 2008)
A Third Suspect Emerges
However, one piece of evidence from Hughes' clothing didn't match either of the convicted men, leaving investigators with the knowledge that a third suspect was still at large. It wasn't until 2024 that DNA evidence on the victim's clothing led to the identification of three brothers in East Texas. By November, Riggs was confirmed as the source of the DNA evidence.
The Power of Modern Forensics
This case highlights the power of modern forensic technology in solving cold cases. It also raises questions about the limitations of early forensic techniques and the importance of persistence in law enforcement. The identification of Riggs brings closure to a decades-old mystery, but it also serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of violent crimes on communities.
