Executive Summary
- Darrell Gene Blankenship III was found dead on January 13, 2020, in Seven Points, Texas.
- Investigators classify the death as suspicious and believe the victim was struck by a vehicle.
- Sheriff Hillhouse has renewed calls for public assistance to generate new leads.
- Anonymous tips can be submitted via Henderson County Crime Stoppers.
The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office has renewed its appeal for information regarding the 2020 death of 25-year-old Darrell Gene Blankenship III, whose body was discovered in a ditch near the Sky Country subdivision in Seven Points, Texas. Authorities are classifying the incident as a cold case and are actively seeking new leads from the public to advance the investigation.
Blankenship was found on January 13, 2020. According to investigators, the death is considered suspicious, with evidence suggesting the victim was likely struck by a vehicle. Despite the passage of time, law enforcement officials remain focused on clarifying the circumstances surrounding the event.
Sheriff Hillhouse emphasized the department’s dedication to resolving the case. “Cold cases are never forgotten. Our goal is to bring answers and closure to families who have waited far too long,” Hillhouse stated. He noted the agency’s belief that “someone knows something” and reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing every lead until justice is served.
The Sheriff’s Office has requested that anyone with information regarding Blankenship’s death contact them at (903) 675-5128. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Henderson County Crime Stoppers.
Investigative Outlook
The reactivation of public appeals in cold case investigations often serves as a strategic maneuver by law enforcement to reach witnesses whose circumstances or allegiances may have changed over time. In cases involving suspicious vehicular deaths where physical evidence may be degraded or inconclusive, testimonial evidence becomes a critical component for establishing a timeline and identifying potential suspects. The continued classification of the death as suspicious indicates that investigators have not ruled out criminal intent, and the solicitation of anonymous tips suggests that community cooperation is currently the primary avenue for breaking the investigative stalemate.
