GALVESTON — A Galveston County grand jury has indicted a Bacliff man in connection with two murders tied to the long-unsolved “Texas Killing Fields” cases, as prosecutors reveal a key suspect in the decades-old investigation has died.
James Dolphs Elmore Jr. has been indicted on manslaughter and felony tampering with evidence in the death of Laura Miller, along with an additional tampering with evidence charge in the murder of Audrey Cook, according to the Galveston County Criminal District Attorney’s Office.
The indictments come as part of a renewed push by investigators to solve multiple killings linked to the “Texas Killing Fields,” where authorities believe the remains of dozens of women have been discovered over the years.
The Texas Killing Fields refers to a 25-acre area in League City, off Interstate 45.
More than 30 bodies—mostly young women—were discovered between the 1970s and 1990s.
This corridor, specifically a patch near Calder Road, has been the focus of unsolved murders and the subject of the 2011 film “Texas Killing Fields.”
Hedrick dies before indictment
Prosecutors say longtime suspect Clyde Hedrick recently died before he could be brought before a grand jury on new charges connected to the Killing Fields cases.
Despite his death, the District Attorney’s Office still presented evidence of Hedrick’s alleged involvement in the killings to the grand jury in an effort to maintain transparency and provide some closure for victims’ families.
Hedrick had long been considered a prime suspect. He was previously convicted of manslaughter in the death of Ellen Beason and served prison time before being paroled.
Charges follow renewed investigation
The new indictments stem from a reinvigorated investigation that began in 2024 and expanded after District Attorney Kenneth Cusick took office. A multi-agency task force reexamined evidence and re-interviewed witnesses in cases tied to the Killing Fields.
Following that work, prosecutors sought indictments against both Hedrick and Elmore. The grand jury ultimately indicted Elmore for his alleged role in the deaths of Cook and Miller.
Press conference scheduled
Officials are expected to release more details during a 10 a.m. press conference tomorrow.
Decades-old cases
The Texas Killing Fields are located near Calder Road and Ervin Street in League City, where the bodies of four young women were found between 1984 and 1991:
Heidi Fye-VillarealAudrey CookLaura MillerDonna Prudhomme
Investigators say the broader area is tied to many more unsolved cases.
Ongoing investigation
Officials say they have met with victims’ families to discuss the indictments and stress the investigation is ongoing.
Multiple agencies, including local police departments across Galveston County and the FBI, continue working together to bring answers in the decades-old cases.
“The Galveston County Criminal District Attorney commends the League City Police Department, Hitchcock Police Department, Galveston County Sheriff’s Office, Texas City Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Dickinson Police Department, Galveston Police Department and Santa Fe Police Department for their ongoing assistance into these difficult cases,” the Galveston County District Attorney’s office said.