AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is appealing for information regarding the 1992 murder of 81-year-old Raymond “Ray” Adolph Lightner. The reward for information leading to an arrest has been increased to $6,000 if the tip is received before the next featured Texas Rangers cold case is announced.
On November 12, 1992, Lightner was found stabbed to death in his home on Kimbro Street in Taylor by a home health care worker. Lightner, a widower who lived alone, had recently returned from an assisted living center following a glaucoma procedure. He maintained regular contact with family in Taylor and Austin and had spoken with a family member and a friend the evening before his death. Known for playing dominoes at a local lounge, Lightner’s case remains unsolved despite initial investigations ruling out multiple suspects.
The Taylor Police Department and Texas Rangers are actively investigating the murder, with evidence now submitted for analysis using modern DNA technology. Authorities believe community members may hold crucial information that could lead to identifying the killer, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Funded by the Governor’s Public Safety Office, Texas Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards for information leading to arrests in Texas Rangers cold cases. To be eligible for the reward, tips must be submitted via the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477) or online, selecting “Cold Cases Featured” and “Cold Case” in the crime type sections.
The Texas Ranger Unsolved Crimes Investigation Program, which features one case bi-monthly to generate new leads, was established to assist in solving unsolved homicides or violent serial crimes. There is no statute of limitations for murder, allowing investigators to pursue these cases until resolved or no viable leads remain.