Episode 68: Cold Case Solved - The Murder of Mary Catherine Edwards

In America today, more than 200,000 cold cases sit unsolved—each one a story without an ending. Every year, around 5,000 new names are added to that growing list. Behind every case is a family—grieving, waiting, and hoping for answers that never seem to come. For many, justice feels like a distant dream. That was the reality for the family and friends of Mary Catherine Edwards. To those who knew her, she was simply Catherine—a vibrant, kind-hearted woman with a magnetic smile and a soul built for teaching. At 33 years old, she had just begun her dream job as a second-grade teacher in Beaumont, Texas. Her classroom quickly became a sanctuary for kids facing chaos in their own lives. To them, Catherine was more than a teacher—she was hope. But in January of 1995, everything changed. On a quiet Saturday afternoon, Catherine was found brutally murdered in the bathroom of her townhouse. The news shook the community to its core. Who would want to hurt someone like her? There were no immediate answers. No suspects. No justice. And so, her case—like so many others—went cold. For 26 long years, those who loved Catherine lived in the shadow of the unknown. Everyone haunted by the silence. But sometimes, silence doesn't last forever. Thanks to advances in DNA technology and the relentless efforts of determined investigators, the truth finally came to light. In 2024, Catherine’s killer was identified and brought before a court—closing a chapter that began nearly three decades earlier. This is a story that reminds us that even the kindest souls can be touched by darkness—and that evil can hide in the most unexpected places.

 

Sources:

Law & Crime – Man Allegedly Refused to Leave Jail Cell for Extradition Hearing in ‘Terrible’ 1995 Cold Case Murder of Teacher – Alberto Luperon and Colin Kalmbacher – May 9, 2021 - https://lawandcrime.com/crime/man-allegedly-refused-to-leave-jail-cell-for-extradition-hearing-in-terrible-1995-cold-case-murder-of-teacher/

TheCinemaholic – Clayton Foreman: Where is the Killer Now? – Naman Shrestha – November 9, 2024 - https://thecinemaholic.com/clayton-foreman/

48 Hours

Abilene Reporter-News – Beaumont teacher drowned in bathtub – January 17, 1995

CBS News – Unexpected twist in Texas cold case murder probe: Victim was a bridesmaids in Killer’s wedding – Natalie Morales – November 12, 2024 - Unexpected twist in Texas cold case murder probe: Victim was a bridesmaid in killer's wedding - CBS News

MSN – Inside the Shocking Killing of Former Bridesmaid Found Handcuffed in Bathtub Years Before Groom’s Arrest -  Samira Asma-Sadeque – November 6, 2025 - Inside the Shocking Killing of Former Bridesmaid Found Handcuffed in Bathtub Years Before Groom's Arrest

12NewsNow – Day 7 Jury finds man guilty in trial for 1995 cold-case murder of Beaumont Teacher – Jordan Williams – March 20, 2024 - Day 7 | Man found guilty in 1995 death of Beaumont teacher | 12newsnow.com

Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Texas Department of Criminal Justice Inmate Search