EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — A case that was initially documented by authorities as an “unattended death” became a murder investigation, according to the El Paso Police Department.
Police confirmed to KFOX14/CBS4 that the death of 25-year-old Claire Terry was investigated by the department’s Crimes Against Persons Unit as a murder.
According to a police report obtained by KFOX14/CBS4, officers responded to the area of Paisano Drive and Doniphan Drive just before 10 p.m. on May 6 following a vehicle-pedestrian incident.
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The initial report classified the incident as an “unattended death.”
After reviewing the report, KFOX14/CBS4 asked police for clarification about the case.
The department confirmed Terry’s death was investigated as a murder but declined to say whether investigators believe the vehicle intentionally hit Terry, whether road rage was considered a possible factor, or what evidence led detectives to classify the case as a murder.
Police said those details are part of the case and could not be released.
More than two months after Terry’s death, her family said they are still searching for answers while honoring her memory.
“My Claire was everything. Claire was a beautiful person in and out,” her father, Lester Terry, said.
Family members described Claire as kind, outgoing, and deeply devoted to the people around her.
“She was my superstar,” Lester Terry said. “Claire loved deeply.”
Destiny Venecia reports on the family of Claire Terry after her death triggered a murder investigation.
Her mother, Vanessa Storey, said Claire’s personality left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
“She was so amazing. Just bubbly, full of life. She loved people,” Storey said.
While police have released few details about the investigation, Terry’s family said the uncertainty has made their grief even more difficult. “It’s been tough,” Lester Terry said.
Storey said the family’s loss has been especially painful because Claire died just days before Mother’s Day.
“The loss of my baby girl… it happened right before Mother’s Day,” Storey said, adding that the family continues to struggle with the absence of the moments they expected to share with her.
Police told KFOX14/CBS4 the case has been presented to the El Paso County District Attorney’s Office.
The department also confirmed no arrests have been made and declined to discuss whether a suspect has been identified.
For Terry’s family, they say justice begins with learning the truth.
“So what justice looks like to me is the truth coming forward,” Lester Terry said. “Let’s talk about this openly… and make sure that who did wrong is held accountable.”
El Paso police say they cannot release additional information because of the case.
KFOX14/CBS4 will continue to follow developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.
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