Buried Memories (35 page)

Henderson County Sheriff’s Deputy Ron Shields put me in contact with many important investigators in this case.

Suzy Beets Huffman spoke openly of her ex-husband, and gave me insights only she could provide. Ronnie C. Threlkeld, Betty’s third husband, shared memories of his life with her. Rodney Barker and his wife, Carla, talked with me. Rodney’s father, Doyle Wayne Barker, was Betty’s first victim, and Rodney related his memories of a loving father.

Others deserving mention are Jerry Kuykendall, Jr., Dwayne Garner, Mansfield Police Chief Steve Noonkester, Ed Spencer with the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department, and criminalist Michelle Pressley.

Many people shared their personal remembrances, but asked that their names not be used. However, I want them to know how much I appreciated their time.

Dallasite and Cedar Creek homeowner Peggy Baldwin was very helpful. Barbie and Mason Brown crossed over the line of friendship and frequently hosted me in their lovely lake home, giving me hours of information. Barbie is an expert on Cedar Creek Lake lore, weather, flora, and fauna.

Friend and historical-romance writer Julie Benson combed my manuscript, making many beneficial suggestions. Fellow true-crime writer Carlton Stowers shared invaluable resources.

While I stood outside the Walls at Huntsville, Texas, a talented journalist, Gary Bass, was inside witnessing Betty Beets’s execution and related the emotional details to me. Gary, I am grateful.

Praise for my friends at Kensington: Editor in Chief Paul Dinas, and Consulting Editor Karen Haas. After three books, we have a comfortable relationship. And I always appreciate my creative agent, Janet Wilkens Manus.

In 1972, two years after they were divorced, Betty Beets, 35, was arrested on attempted murder for shooting Billy York Lane, her second husband.

(Photo courtesy Dallas, Texas Sheriff’s Office)

Beets was arrested in August 1979 for public lewdness while auditioning as a topless dancer.

(Photo courtesy Dallas, Texas Police Department)

Beets, 48, was arrested on June 8, 1985 for the capital murder of Jimmy Don Beets.

(Photo courtesy Mansfield, Texas Policen Department)

Victim Doyle Wayne, Barker, Betty Beets’s fourth husband. (Photo courtesy Rodney Barker)

Victim Jimmy Don Beets, Betty Beets’s fifth husband.

Beets (center) was a rookie fireman in Dallas, Texas in 1957.

(Photo courtesy Dallas Firefighters Museum)

Fire Captain Jimmy Don Beets was well-liked by his many friends.

(Photo courtesy Dallas Firefighters Museum)

Beets celebrated his 44th birthday in 1981, one year before marrying Betty.

(Photo courtesy Susan Beets Huffman)

In their search for the missing Jimmy Don Beets police focussed on the Beets’s wishing well.

(Photo courtesy Henderson County, Texas Sheriff’s Office)

Police used a backhoe to topple over the well, then dug into the dirt mound inside.

(Photo courtesy Henderson County, Texas Sheriff’s Office)

Jimmy Don Beets’s body was found in a near-fetal position inside a blue sleeping bag.

(Photo courtesy Hansderson Country, Texas Sheriff’s Office)