Press Releases

AUSTIN – After 42 years of investigation, law enforcement officials have identified the last perpetrator in the abduction and murder of five Texans in Rusk Co. – an event known to many across the country as the Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) murders. The perpetrator, Devan Riggs, had died years before being identified, so no arrests will be made, and the case is now closed.

AUSTIN – Today, several Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) personnel were honored during the December Public Safety Commission meeting held at the new Legacy Hall at DPS Headquarters in Austin. PSC Chairman Steven P. Mach, Nelda Luce Blair, Dan Hord, Larry Long and Steven Stodghill, along with DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin, presented two Purple Hearts, four Lifesaving Awards and one Unit Citation. One Director’s Award was also given to someone outside the department.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) Crime Laboratory Division announces the implementation of the state’s new Limited Consent for DNA Testing Program for sexual assault survivors. The first kit under this new program, which began on Dec. 1, was collected last week.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is seeking information in the 1992 murder of 81-year-old Raymond “Ray” Adolph Lightner. The reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for his death is now increased to $6,000 if the tip is received before the next featured Texas Rangers cold case is announced. Anyone with information is asked to please come forward.

WESLACO – Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Criminal Investigations Division (CID) Special Agents seized dozens of handguns and weapons accessories destined for Mexico during a vehicle inspection while working Operation Lone Star (OLS) in Hidalgo Co. last week.

LAREDO – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) seized more than 15 pounds of cocaine during an Operation Lone Star traffic stop in Webb Co. over the weekend.

AUSTIN – This week, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) hosted TEXCON 2025, an Annual Public Safety Drone Expo and Tactical Awareness Kit (TAK) Workshop at the DPS Tactical Training Center in Florence. This year’s event, scheduled Dec. 1 through 4, was attended by over 300 members of local, state and federal law enforcement, as well as first responders from across the country.

LAREDO – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) recovered 23 illegal immigrants hidden inside a truck tractor during an Operation Lone Star traffic stop in La Salle Co.

AUSTIN – Texas 10 Most Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrant William Herrera Zamora – a convicted child sex offender from Cuba – is this month’s Featured Fugitive. The reward for information leading to his arrest is increased to $8,500 during December if the tip is received this month.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has commenced Phase I of the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP) expansion selection process, and nine new businesses have been identified to proceed for an additional due diligence evaluation.

AUSTIN – As millions of Texans prepare to hit the road for the Thanksgiving holiday, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is reminding everyone to plan, drive responsibly and pack an emergency kit. Whether traveling across town or across the state, DPS urges all drivers to take extra precautions.

WESLACO – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), during Operation Lone Star, seized approximately 137 pounds of cocaine during a traffic stop in Hidalgo Co.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is launching Operation Safe Holidays – a coordinated initiative that will provide enhanced patrols in high-volume pedestrian corridors within central areas of Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas and Fort Worth throughout the holiday season.

AUSTIN – As Texans prepare for Cyber Monday and the busy online shopping season, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds everyone to take extra precautions to protect their personal and financial information from cyber criminals.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is stepping up enforcement for Thanksgiving to ensure Texans have a safe holiday. Texas Highway Patrol (THP) Troopers will increase enforcement efforts from Wednesday, Nov. 26, through Sunday, Dec. 1. Troopers will be looking for people committing traffic violations including, not wearing seat belts, driving while intoxicated, speeding, failing to follow the state’s Move Over, Slow Down law and others.