For Texas Ranger Brandon Bess, almost everything about the Mary Catherine Edwards case was uniquely unsettling.
Ranger Brandon Bess: The intrinsic shock of the case lay in the brutal reality that a captivating, young, single schoolteacher could be murdered within the sacred walls of her own home. … She was genuinely a remarkable person from an admirable family.
Ranger Brandon Bess: The crime scene was startlingly unusual. Mary Catherine was discovered over her bathtub, handcuffed behind her back, and it was evident she had suffered a horrific sexual assault.
Natalie Morales | “48 Hours“ contributor: Were those … police-grade handcuffs?
Ranger Brandon Bess: Yes… those handcuffs have been an essential part of this investigation from the beginning.
On January 14, 1995, 31-year-old Mary Catherine Edwards was tragically discovered deceased by her distraught parents in her Beaumont townhouse. The gruesome details revealed her lifeless body positioned in the bathtub, handcuffed, and showing signs of a violent sexual assault, all amidst an environment devoid of forced entry—leading investigators to suspect a known assailant.
The day Mary Catherine didn’t attend a family lunch was filled with foreboding. To check on their daughter, her parents arrived and were confronted with a nightmare that no parent should ever experience.
911 OPERATOR: What happened ma’am?
MARY ANN EDWARDS: We came over here and found her. … Please send someone over –
911 OPERATOR: OK, we’re sending someone ma’am. Is she — was she shot or what?
MARY ANN EDWARDS: Ah … we can’t tell.
Catherine, the beloved twin sister, was remembered fondly by her peers, who often struggled to distinguish between her and her sister, Allison. Both were admired schoolteachers.
Heleniah Adams: Ms. Edwards, my second-grade teacher, provided a sanctuary for many of us who grew up in challenging circumstances. … Being around Ms. Edwards was blissful.
Though investigators initially suspected drowning due to the position of her body, the discovery of insufficient fluid in her lungs redirected the investigation to the more alarming conclusion of suffocation. For those who knew her, the news of Catherine’s passing triggered profound grief and disbelief.
Detectives were stumped early on but found the police-grade Smith & Wesson handcuffs to be a significant detail. Even attempts to trace the handcuff serial numbers yielded no leads.
Dianna Coe: My mother informed me about Catherine’s situation, and it hit hard. … I was simply shocked.
Dianna’s friendship with the Edwards twins dated back to middle school, when she first connected with them in a new area. The bond formed quickly, leading to a childhood friendship that thrived in a caring environment.
Heleniah Adams: Ms. Edwards embodied an undeniable sense of joy in a world that too often seemed harsh.
Despite the initial skepticism, the DNA preserved from the crime scene became a pivotal factor, especially as forensic advancements began to emerge in subsequent years.
FINDING THE KILLER’S RELATIVES: DNA LEFT BEHIND AT THE CRIME SCENE IS TESTED
With 2018’s advancements in DNA technology allowing for familial searching, a breakthrough began to take shape. The introduction of the program Gedmatch, which aggregates DNA from willing participants across popular genealogy platforms, became a beacon of hope for solving cold cases.
Det. Aaron Lewallen: When Ranger Bess approached me about utilizing this innovative method, I immediately recognized it as the perfect opportunity to revisit the Catherine Edwards case.
By April 2020, DNA extracted from the crime scene was sent to the Othram lab for comprehensive analysis.
Det. Aaron Lewallen: Their expertise provided us with familial matches, acting as the foundation for constructing a family tree that could lead us closer to our suspect.
The scope of leads was daunting, however.
Det. Aaron Lewallen: As the family tree grew in complexity, I found myself overwhelmed and turned to my wife, Tina, for assistance.
Det. Tina Lewallen: The matches largely indicated a Cajun heritage.
Det. Tina Lewallen: Yes, with a specific focus on Kaplan, Louisiana.
Tina dove back into Catherine’s personal journals for insights or clues connecting her to the Cajun ancestry. One name notably persisted throughout: LaPoint.
Upon contacting her, they learned that LaPoint was actively engaged in genetic genealogy and had previously assisted in related investigations. Her expertise soon became invaluable to the team.
Shera LaPoint: I offered my skills to help the detectives, fully aware of the complexity of the familial connections we might uncover.
The detailed process required scrutinizing publicly available birth and death records while adhering to the guidelines necessary for criminal investigations. The family tree rapidly expanded, incorporating nearly 7,500 names.
The urgency pulsed strongly within Tina Lewallen, who was committed to finding a resolution, driven by the knowledge that a dangerous criminal still roamed free.
Det. Tina Lewallen: Every moment counted; it was essential that we solved this case swiftly.
THE FAMILY TREE PAYS OFF: IDENTIFYING A SUSPECT WITH A SURPRISING CONNECTION TO MARY CATHERINE
During their relentless pursuit, Detectives Tina Lewallen and genealogist Shera LaPoint formed a remarkably effective partnership. Their camaraderie transformed as they worked tirelessly on the case.
Det. Tina Lewallen: From the start, Shera was an exceptional collaborator. Despite us being strangers initially, our persistence forged a friendship.
When DNA was required, they sought assistance from Det. Aaron Lewallen and Ranger Brandon Bess, effectively expanding their investigation team.
Det. Aaron Lewallen: Together, Ranger Bess and I traveled across Texas to interview potential leads.
Ranger Brandon Bess: Gaining the cooperation of individuals to provide DNA samples remained a significant challenge.
Ranger Brandon Bess: To alleviate the initial tension, Aaron would often lighten the mood by asking about their “movie character,” which surprisingly eased their anxiety.
Once the DNA from relatives was analyzed side by side with the sample from the crime scene, some leads came to a screeching halt upon discovering minimal genetic matches.
Det. Aaron Lewallen: Each time a promising name surfaced, the anticipation fluttered within me, only for it to dissolve when it didn’t match.
After three months flooded with fluctuations in data and leads, the team finally made significant progress.
Shera LaPoint: Late one evening, I stumbled upon a common Cajun surname, Thibodeaux, linked to a couple in Beaumont who had two sons.
These individuals attended the same high school as Catherine during overlapping timelines, presenting a promising lead.
Shera LaPoint: I notified Tina about my discovery, but fatigue overcame me, and I went to sleep—unaware that her excitement would cascade the following day.
Det. Tina Lewallen: I called her with elation, declaring, “This is them!” Our breakthrough was within grasp — just needed to determine which son was the key.
Det. Aaron Lewallen: My suspicions turned first toward the name Clayton. Upon discovering Clayton’s previous conviction for sexual assault, a deeply unsettling realization dawned on me.
In 1981, a former victim recounted a horrific story of being bound and assaulted by Clayton Foreman, a man who attended the same school as Catherine Edwards. Unfortunately, he avoided any obligatory DNA testing due to how the system operated at the time.
The connections deepened as Dianna Coe, Catherine’s friend since childhood, became entwined in the narrative. The man she had married and once trusted was now a suspect in Catherine’s horrific murder.
Dianna Coe: The revelation struck me hard once I understood the weight of the connection. The man I had once loved was now entwined deeply in this dark tale.
Foreman’s obsession with police paraphernalia manifested as a pointed fixation on handcuffs. Dianna recalled them hanging openly in their vehicle, a detail she initially dismissed.
Despite Dianna’s shock, Foreman needed to be located and confronted. His trail eventually led them to Reynoldsburg, Ohio, where he had assumed the role of an Uber driver.
The team deployed to gather tangible evidence through meticulous surveillance, ultimately acquiring a trash bag from Foreman’s residence that contained DNA material.
The forensic analysis concluded with an overwhelming certainty regarding the DNA match — a staggering 461 septillion odds confirming it belonged to Clayton Foreman.
Shera LaPoint: The figures were irrefutable; they left no room for disputation.
That was the confirmation the team required to proceed.
Det. Aaron Lewallen: A lab technician texted me saying, “Go get his ass.” We were set to confront Clayton Foreman with the mounting evidence against him.
As those arrangements unfolded, Det. Tina Lewallen prepared Dianna Coe for the impending confrontation, ensuring she understood that her concern for her own past would be handled with care.
Dianna Coe: When I was informed of the DNA match, my heart sank as I uttered, “Oh God, please don’t tell me it was Clay.” The reality hit hard; it was an unimaginable betrayal.
CONFRONTING CLAYTON FOREMAN
On April 29, 2021, Ranger Bess and Det. Aaron Lewallen arrived at the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office under the guise of inquiries regarding a lost item from Foreman’s Uber clientele.
Ranger Brandon Bess: Presenting the situation as a missing purse allowed us to engage with him without raising immediate suspicion.
This meeting marked 26 years since the tragic murder of Mary Catherine Edwards, yet the weight of the moment bore down on them as they anticipated confronting the man possibly responsible for the crime.
As they began questioning him, the gravity of their investigation became apparent.
RANGER BESS (Foreman interview): We need to discuss a crime we are investigating. Mary Catherine Edwards was murdered in 1995.
This revelation seemed to dawn on Foreman quickly.
Det. Aaron Lewallen: He realized he was not being summoned for a lost purse, and the truth began to unravel before him.
Foreman initially denied any knowledge of Catherine or her murder, maintaining his innocence despite the weight of evidence piling against him.
RANGER BESS (Foreman interview): Do you remember her from school?
CLAYTON FOREMAN: No, not really. Because they were freshmen.
Ranger Bess pressed, revealing startling links to their past connections.
As the tensions escalated during the interview, the atmosphere thickened, creating a moment of inevitable confrontation.
RANGER BESS: The implication is clear as your DNA has been found on her body and belongings.
Faced with undeniable evidence, Foreman’s demeanor shifted as he attempted to downplay the accusations and divert attention away from himself.
RANGER BESS: With your DNA present, how do you explain your connection to her body?
The confrontation escalated when Foreman reluctantly acknowledged the gravity of the situation, ultimately requesting legal counsel—a clear sign of awareness of the impending consequences.
Ranger Brandon Bess: As he thought he would leave unscathed, we exchanged glances filled with understanding regarding the gravity of our findings.
Immediately upon exiting the interrogation room, they intercepted him, arresting him for the long-awaited justice served on behalf of Catherine Edwards.
Equipped with the very handcuffs that secured Mary Catherine Edwards during her last moments, they positioned them around Clayton Foreman’s wrists.
Ranger Brandon Bess: This act represented not just the physical binding of a suspect, but a restoration of dignity, attempting to right the horrific wrong committed against Catherine. It was profoundly significant in that moment.
Det. Tina Lewallen wasted no time informing Dianna about the arrest of her ex-husband, Clayton Foreman. She assured her that assistance was on the way.
Dianna Coe: It was a shock when they shared the news that Clay was arrested. My reality shifted completely.
Scooter Daleo: The disbelief was overwhelming when he learned of the truth behind the arrest.
Anne Anderson: Confronting the dark truth about someone familiar added layers of complexity to our relationships and memories.
Dianna Coe: I couldn’t grasp the implications; my thoughts shifted to Allison immediately, worrying about her reaction.
Det. Tina Lewallen assured Dianna that the concern was mutual; Allison would be by her side through the storm.
THE TRIAL OF CLAYTON FOREMAN
By March 12, 2024, almost three decades since the heartbreaking loss of Mary Catherine Edwards, the prosecution was prepared to launch their case against Clayton Foreman.
Mike Laird: It is essential to remember how long this has lingered within our community, as we navigate the challenging emotional terrain of this trial.
The trial brought back painful memories, especially for family members still grappling with the impact of her tragic death.
Allison Edwards delivered heartfelt testimony, honoring her sister in front of the jury and imploring them to feel her family’s loss acutely.
ALLISON EDWARDS BROCATO (in court): The day she died was a day my world stopped. … That loss is a burden I will carry forever.
Heleniah Adams, who experienced the profound loss of her adored teacher, attended the trial frequently, asserting the significant influence Catherine once had on her life.
Heleniah Adams: Each piece of evidence served as a stark reminder of the heartbreak and loss we all endured.
The trials demonstrated clear links between the crime scene DNA and the familial connections established through genealogy, demonstrating both the power of modern technology and the relentless pursuit of justice.
As the prosecution concluded, they called to the stand women victimized by Foreman over the years, each sharing stories of trauma and survival.
TOM BURBANK (in court): How did he intimidate you in those moments?
KRISTY WEIMER: He would threaten me and try to manipulate the situation to exert control.
Foreman’s ex-wife, Dianna, displayed incredible courage as she faced her former partner under the intense scrutiny of the courtroom. Her transformation from a trusting spouse to a key witness underscored the multifaceted layers of betrayal and pain.
DIANNA COE: The full reality of the man I married was revealed during this trial. … I never truly understood his nature until now.
Dianna’s testimony also gave voice to the woman who had previously escaped Foreman’s grasp, shedding light on similar predatory behavior exhibited toward Catherine.
The prosecution’s final arguments resonated deeply, putting significant emphasis on how Foreman had manipulated trust throughout his relationships.
PAT KNAUTH (in court): This trial reflects not only the tragedy of one life lost but symbolizes the malevolence that can reside within us.
The jury’s decision would soon rest upon the weight of evidence presented and the emotional aftermath of this case.
THE AFTERMATH: LOOKING BACK
After a brief deliberation, the jury reached a unanimous verdict. Clayton Foreman was convicted, resulting in a life sentence for the murder of Mary Catherine Edwards.
Larry Delcambre: The evidence spoke volumes on its own, leading to a straightforward determination in our minds.
Heleniah Adams: The courtroom’s atmosphere shifted after the verdict—a significant mark of justice was finally rendered for our beloved teacher.
Det. Aaron Lewallen: As we received confirmation of the conviction, it cemented all our efforts; we did it.
However, the closure remained elusive. For Detective Tina Lewallen, the sense of resolution was clouded.
Shera LaPoint: The system may have worked, but it doesn’t change the reality that Mary Catherine was robbed of her future—a profound tragedy still.
Det. Tina Lewallen: Despite the justice served, closure is unattainable in this case; it’s a reminder of what was lost.
Clayton Foreman became eligible for parole in 2061, reaching an age where many would reflect on a long life lived, yet for Catherine, it would always be too late. The complexities surrounding Foreman’s character raised questions about how someone could meticulously craft a facade of normalcy while gripping darkness within.
Dianna, still processing her past, underscored the resilience required to confront the haunting reality of a shared life built upon illusions, and she could finally pursue healing and understanding, leaving the shadows to remember Catherine Edwards, the teacher who touched many lives.
In the wake of tragedy, it is essential to cherish the memories of those lost.
Ef but intense trial, the jury reached a verdict that reverberated throughout the community. On March 30, 2024, Clayton Foreman was found guilty of the murder of Mary Catherine Edwards. The weight of the verdict brought a bittersweet sense of closure for Catherine’s family and friends, who had lived with the trauma for nearly three decades.
**Det. Tina Lewallen:** I remember the moment we heard the verdict. It was a mixture of relief and sorrow; justice was finally served, but the pain of loss still lingered heavily in the room.
The courtroom erupted in a quiet murmur, with some family members wiping tears from their eyes while others embraced one another. Allison Edwards felt an overwhelming sense of both justice and loss wash over her.
**Allison Edwards Brocato:** It doesn’t change what happened; it doesn’t bring my sister back. But to know that he will be held accountable for the wrong he did — that brings some solace.
In the weeks that followed the verdict, the community grappled with the revelations brought forth during the trial. Many were shocked not just by the gruesome details of Catherine’s murder but also by the extent of Foreman’s past actions against other women. Survivors began to speak out, sharing their experiences and strengthening support networks throughout the community.
**Heleniah Adams:** We need to honor Catherine’s legacy by ensuring that her story encourages others to come forward. We all have a role in supporting survivors and educating against such acts of violence.
As the dust settled, Dianna Coe found herself reflecting on her past and the long shadows it cast on her future. She emerged with a newfound strength, determined to use her voice to advocate for victims of domestic violence and abuse.
**Dianna Coe:** I never thought I would be in this position—speaking out against someone I once loved. But if my story can help just one person, it’s worth it.
Foreman was ultimately sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The ruling brought a certain finality to the tumultuous journey that had spanned several decades.
**Mike Laird:** It’s remarkable how justice, no matter how delayed, can manifest in profound ways. The community’s strength has shone through this arduous process.
The case of Mary Catherine Edwards transformed into a rallying cry for change, with community organizations stepping up to advocate for victims’ rights and preventive measures against violence. Events were organized to raise awareness about the signs of abuse and the necessity of believing and supporting survivors.
While Mary Catherine’s tragic death left an indelible mark on those who loved her, the light she brought into their lives inspired a movement toward empathy, education, and deterrence against future violence.
**Ranger Brandon Bess:** We may not have the ability to change the past, but we can strive for a future where such tragedies occur less and less. Catherine’s story, her joy, and her absence should motivate us all to work harder.
As the community continued to heal, they vowed to remember Catherine not only as a victim but as an emblem of resilience and strength. The tragedy that struck years ago echoed in their collective memory, continuously urging them to advocate for justice and safeguard those vulnerable to violence.
