Texas man dies while awaiting trial for 42-year-old murder of wife, step-daughter

ABILENE, Texas (KVII) — A Texas man died while awaiting trial for the 42-year-old murder of his common-law wife and 8-year-old stepdaughter.

Billye Brown died Saturday.

His trial was scheduled to start Sept. 6.

Brown is accused of killing Susanna Flores Brown, 30, and her daughter, Francesca Antionette Martinez, in 1982.

THE MURDER

Brown called 911 around 3:30 a.m. on March 9, 1982, and told Abilene police he came home from work and found them dead.

According to court documents, Susanna's body was in her bedroom with the cord from a bedside lamp wrapped around her neck. Her skull had been crushed. Feces was been smeared on her body.

Francesca's body was found in her bedroom. The telephone cord from the phone in the living room had been cut and then wrapped around her neck and knotted in the back.

Brown said he came in around 3:20 a.m., turned on a light, and found the bodies. He walked past the living room phone, went to the kitchen to call 911 and found the back door open a few inches.

When police arrived, they said Brown did not appear to be "overly upset" about the murders and was even making "inappropriate comments about a 'God old bottle of whiskey.'"

Police said there were no signs of forced entry or signs of a struggle.

During the investigation, police learned the couple had been in a relationship for about three years. Susanna's family said he was controlling and abusive.

Susanna told her family that she did not want to be married to Brown or live in Texas because of common law marriage laws. According to court documents, she refused to take his last name until just before her murder and only did so because he pressured her.

A few weeks before she was killed, Susanna asked to borrow money from her mom so she could change the locks. About a week before her murder, she asked her siblings if they could get her a gun.

COLD CASE

In 2012, Abilene police reviewed the cold case and asked Brown if he would be willing to come in and speak to them.

According to court documents, Brown was surprised by the phone call because he believed the case had been closed for the last 30 years.

Brown initially agreed to talk to police but was a no-show.

He later said he changed his mind after speaking with family. Brown also declined to give them a DNA sample.

BIG BREAK

Police got their big break in the case last year. On Jan. 17, the DPS lab in Lubbock "further processed" the oral swab from Susanna's mouth. The swab yielded a partial DNA profile from sperm.

The lab found that it was 22,100 times more likely that the sperm came from Brown than any other person.

In October, police interviewed Brown for a little over two hours.

During that time, Brown contradicted all the statements made by Susanna's family and said he loved her "to the moon and back."

Brown said he suspected Susanna was cheating on him with her ex and that was the only thing he was concerned about knowing all these years later.

'DEATH WARRANT'

Police got a search warrant for Brown's DNA.

After they swabbed his mouth, Brown said "I think I just signed my death warrant."

Brown adamantly denied having oral sex with Susanna the day she was murdered even after being told they found his sperm in her mouth.

Police said Brown claimed he did not like oral sex.

When asked why he bypassed the phone in the living room to call the police, Brown said "Didn't (Francesca) have a phone cord around her neck?"

Police believe that suggested that he was aware the living room phone was not functional.

Brown was arrested on Oct. 27, 2023, and released the next day on $200,000 bond.

He was indicted in December.

NEXT STEPS

Taylor County District Attorney confirmed they will close the case after speaking with the victim's families.

But Abilene Police Chief Rondell Seratte said his officers will continue to "justice for the victims and providing closure for their families."

Read full statement:

The Abilene Police Department has recently learned of the death of Billye Brown on July 27, 2024, a suspect in an ongoing murder investigation. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.

While it is always tragic when a life is lost, we believe it is important to acknowledge the efforts of our dedicated officers and investigators who worked tirelessly to bring charges against Mr. Brown. Their commitment to justice reflects the values and mission of the Abilene Police Department, especially through difficult times.

Our focus remains on seeking justice for the victims and providing closure for their families. We will continue to support all affected by this case and strive to ensure that our community remains a safe and just place for all.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support.