Justice Served: Houston Man Charged in 2007 Cold Case Killing

After nearly 17 years, justice has finally been served in the case of 43-year-old Bethal Ann Rawls, who was brutally murdered in 2007. Court documents reveal that Anthony Darrell Lankford, 64, has been arrested and charged with her murder.

Rawls’ body was discovered by a relative in her apartment near Bissonnet and the Sam Houston Tollway in southwest Houston. She had been stabbed, beaten, and strangled. Despite several persons of interest being investigated in the past, it was DNA evidence that ultimately led cold case detectives to Lankford.

Earlier this year, Lankford was linked to Rawls through her phone records and other evidence. After providing a DNA sample, it was confirmed that he was a match. The motive behind the murder remains unknown at this time.

Andy Kahan with Crime Stoppers shared that cases like this bring hope to other families still waiting for justice for their loved ones. The arrest of Lankford serves as a reminder that cold cases can still be solved, bringing closure to those affected by these heinous crimes.

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