Melissa Rene Sowders, 26 - Missing December 26, 2013 - Body found in Cypress Creek - Matthew Sowders arrested - Harris County, TX

Investigators fear foul play in missing woman case

Updated at 07:35 PM today

ABC13 Eyewitness News


Melissa Rene Sowders, 26, was last seen at the McDonald's near FM 1960 and I-45 at around 11am

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The Harris County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help to find a missing woman, last seen Thursday.

Melissa Rene Sowders, 26, was last seen at the McDonald's near FM 1960 and I-45 at around 11am. She was reported missing by a friend and foul pay is suspected.

Sowders drives a white four-door 1995 Honda Accord with Texas license plate CL3H494. The front driver's door is black.

Anyone with information about her disappearance or if anyone knows the location of the vehicle is asked to contact the Harris County Sheriff's Office Homicide Unit at 713-967-5810 or call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS(8477) .

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=9374028

___________________

Search for missing pregnant woman

Published On: Dec 27 2013 10:17:39 PM CST
Updated On: Dec 27 2013 10:25:34 PM CST



December 27, 2013: Texas Equusearch says it will join in the effort to search for the missing pregnant 26-year-old woman. Irika Sargeant reports.

http://www.click2houston.com/news/search-for-missing-pregnant-woman/-/1735978/23676810/-/8ecrs1/-/index.html

abc13 KTRK Eyewitness News Houston

7 hours ago · Edited

CAN YOU HELP? Melissa Rene Sowders, 26, has been missing since yesterday morning and investigators fear foul play. Here's her photo and a photo of her car. If you have any info, you're asked to contact the Harris County Sheriff's Office at 713-967-5810 or call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS(8477)

https://www.facebook.com/KTRKHouston#!/photo.php?fbid=10151955841719342&set=a.190907674341.127293.42354254341&type=1&theater

https://www.facebook.com/missingcases#!/photo.php?fbid=725157930837877&set=a.394304277256579.91039.212865135400495&type=1&theater

Thanks for posting this, Ales.

This has been on all of the local Houston TV stations.

Harris County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) has asked for the assistance of Texas EquuSearch (TES).  It is my understanding TES has not talked to the family yet.  TES has been asked to search by HCSO.

Search for Melissa Rene Sowders

Posted on 27. Dec, 2013 by Kevin Cotter in TXEQ In Action

The search for 26 year-old Melissa Rene Sowders will begin on Saturday morning – December 28th 2013 at 8:30 a.m. The staging area for the search will be located at the “Daily Bread Church”, located at 106 Bammel-Westfield Rd. in Houston, Texas 77090.

The search is for windshield searchers only… at this point. Once Melissa’s vehicle is located, the search plans will likely change. Please dress appropriately for weather conditions in case the search plans change.

Your Search Coordinator is Frank Black, and he can be reached at (713) 301-6813.

Source:

http://texasequusearch.org/2013/12/search-for-melissa-rene-sowders/
TES - Search for Melissa Rene Sowders

Missing Person: Melissa Rene Sowders – Harris County, TX (12/26/13)
Posted on 27. Dec, 2013 by Kevin Cotter.

26 year-old Melissa Rene Sowders was last seen in the area of FM 1960 @ I-45 in north Harris County, Texas on December 26th 2013. Melissa was last known to be wearing all black-colored clothing. Melissa was driving a white, 1995 Honda Accord, 4-Door, bearing Texas License # CL3H494. The front driver’s door of the Honda is black. It is believed that Melissa might be the victim of foul play.

Read more:

http://texasequusearch.org/
Texas EquuSearch - Homepage


For flyer from TES, click below:

http://texasequusearch.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Melissa-Rene-Sowders-Flyer.pdf
Texas EquuSearch - pdf:  Melissa Rene Sowders Flyer

You can view a brief interview with Melissa Sowders' father and boyfriend at KHOU (CBS)'s website. This was on the news last night.
~~~~~

Police search for missing pregnant woman in north Harris County

by Tiffany Craig / KHOU 11 News
Houston, TX

Posted on December 27, 2013 at 10:08 PM
Updated yesterday at 10:20 PM


HARRIS COUNTY, Texas -- Glued to his phone and getting very little sleep, Jimmy Newsom grows more concerned by the minute about his oldest daughter.

"I just sit and worry just sit and worry about her," said Newsom.

Melissa Sowders, 26, vanished on Thursday.

"She's pregnant," said Jason Sanford, her boyfriend. "We're supposed to be having a baby. She wanted to spend the rest of her life with me."

Read more:

http://www.khou.com/news/crime/Police-search-for-missing-pregnant-woman-in-north-Harris-County-237734291.html

Update from the 6 pm News on KHOU (CBS) - Houston, TX. Video update!

The video has more updated details than the article (at this time).
~~~~~

Search for missing pregnant woman continues in north Harris County

by Malini Basu / KHOU 11 News and KHOU.com staff
KHOU - Houston, TX

Posted on December 28, 2013 at 11:46 AM
Updated today at 6:14 PM

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – The search for a 26-year-old pregnant woman reportedly last seen on Thursday continued Saturday in north Harris County with her family fearing the worst.

Melissa Sowders was last seen by her boyfriend, Jason Sanford, who said that she had dropped him off for work at 6:15 a.m.

Sowders was in their white Honda Accord, which deputies found Friday night on Interstate 45 near Richey Road.

Read more:

http://www.khou.com/news/local/Search-for-missing-pregnant-woman-continues-in-north-Harris-County-237824831.html

Police search for missing pregnant woman in north Harris County

by Tiffany Craig / KHOU 11 News
Posted on December 27, 2013 at 10:08 PM
Updated yesterday at 10:20 PM



~Snipped~

Sowders' plan was to meet her ex-husband and their youngest daughter at the McDonald's on FM 1960 near Kuykendahl Road.

The father has custody of all their children.

No one is sure what happened after the visit at McDonald's but Sowders hasn't been seen since.

Newsom admits he is suspicious of her ex-husband because when they talked, he seemed more concerned about the attention from deputies than his ex-wife's well being.

Newsom also says not staying in touch was not his daughter's style.

Read more:

http://www.khou.com/news/crime/Police-search-for-missing-pregnant-woman-in-north-Harris-County-237734291.html

Search underway for missing pregnant mother last seen Thursday in north Harris County

Updated at 06:21 PM
December 28, 2013

KTRK - Houston, TX


HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Search and rescue crews were out Saturday looking for a pregnant mother of four who went missing the day after Christmas.

Snipped:

Sowders' car was found abandoned Friday night in a transport company parking lot on the North Freeway just north of Richie Road, near Cypress Creek.

Saturday's search efforts centered around Cypress Creek and beneath a bridge there.

Snipped:

All day Saturday, Texas EquuSearch volunteers looked for Sowders on foot, by boat and by ATV along and near Cypress Creek.

"Naturally we want to bring her home safe, get her back to her family," Frank Black with EquuSearch said.

Crews scanned the bottom of the creek, and a helicopter flew overhead to do the same.

Snipped:

HCSO homicide detectives said they believe foul play is involved. Crews planned to resume the search for Sowders on Sunday.

Read more and view video:

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=9374517

Search underway for missing pregnant mother last seen Thursday in north Harris County

Updated at 06:21 PM today



ABC13 Eye Witness News

Foti Kallergis

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Search and rescue crews were out Saturday looking for a pregnant mother of four who went missing the day after Christmas.

Harris County Sheriff's Office deputies and volunteers have been searching the area around Interstate 45 just north of FM 1960 in northwest Harris County. It was at a McDonald's in that area around 11am Thursday that 26-year-old Melissa Rene Sowders was last seen.

Sowders' car was found abandoned Friday night in a transport company parking lot on the North Freeway just north of Richie Road, near Cypress Creek.

~Snipped~

Investigators said Sowders went to the McDonald's on FM 1960 near I-45 to meet her estranged husband and pick up her four children.

"This isn't her character. She doesn't just disappear," cousin Michelle said, adding that the family hasn't rested since Sowders' mysterious disappearance. "Had a rough night; nobody really slept. We're just anxious to find her."

All day Saturday, Texas EquuSearch volunteers looked for Sowders on foot, by boat and by ATV along and near Cypress Creek.

Read more:

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=9374517

Deputies search for pregnant 26-year-old missing woman (Video)

Author: Kimberly O'Neal, Web Editor,
Click2Houston.com

Published On: Dec 27 2013 03:59:15 PM CST
Updated On: Dec 28 2013 06:23:55 PM CST

HOUSTON - A missing woman's car has been found Saturday.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office says 26-year-old Melissa Sowders' car was found in a parking lot near I-45 and Richie Road Friday night.

The Harris County sheriff's office says Sowders was last seen on Wednesday at a fast food restaurant on FM 1960 on Interstate 45.

~Snipped~

Melissa Sowders' parents, Sonia and Jimmy Newsom said their daughter separated from her husband a few months earlier.

They said on December 26, Sowders went to meet her estranged husband at the McDonalds.

“I think they were just meeting to talk together and for her to be able to see her children,” said Sonia Newsom.

Newsom said she got worried when Sowders current boyfriend said Sowders had not come home from the meeting and wasn't answering her phone.

Newsom said Sowders is two months pregnant with a baby by her current boyfriend

Read more:

http://www.click2houston.com/news/deputies-search-for-26yearold-missing-woman/-/1735978/23672682/-/ep7a3f/-/index.html

(Updated) Search for Melissa Rene Sowders Resumes Sunday

Posted on 28. Dec, 2013 by Kevin Cotter.

The search for 26 year-old Melissa Sowders will resume on Sunday morning – December 29th 2013 at 9:00 a.m. We will be in need of searchers on foot and ATV. The staging area will be located in the field directly next door to “Main Street America”, which is located at 18750 I-45 North in Spring, Texas 77373. Main Street America is on the I-45 feeder road, about 1 ¼ miles north of FM 1960.

Read more:

http://texasequusearch.org/

Ann - Tx wrote:
Thanks for posting this, Ales.

This has been on all of the local Houston TV stations.

Harris County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) has asked for the assistance of Texas EquuSearch (TES).  It is my understanding TES has not talked to the family yet.  TES has been asked to search by HCSO.

You are welcome, Ann.

I found the following information:

"Authorities spent Saturday searching a northwest Harris County creek for a pregnant woman who disappeared the day after Christmas and who is believed to be a victim of foul play.

Tim Miller, founder of Texas EquuSearch, said authorities asked his group to search a section of Cypress Creek for Melissa Rene Sowders, 26. The group launched a boat equipped with sonar and searched for most of the day, he said."

http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Authorities-searching-for-missing-pregnant-woman-5098402.php?cmpid=htx

The Search





Photo Gallery

See more:

http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Authorities-searching-for-missing-pregnant-woman-5098402.php?cmpid=htx#photo-5652757

Search to be scaled back for missing pregnant woman

By Jayme Fraser | December 28, 2013 | Updated: December 29, 2013 6:07pm

The search for a missing pregnant woman will be scaled back Monday, said Tim Miller, founder of Texas EquuSearch.

About 20 volunteers searched this weekend more than 300 square miles of northwest Harris County and Cypress Creek for Melissa Rene Sowders, 26, who disappeared the day after Christmas and who is believed to be a victim of foul play.

"Our best bet is the water," Miller said, noting he and five others will continue to search from a boat equipped with sonar.

Read moe:

http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Search-to-be-scaled-back-for-missing-pregnant-5098402.php?cmpid=htx

Search for missing pregnant woman continues

By Gianna Caserta, Reporter
KPRC - (NBC) - Houston, TX

Published On: Dec 29 2013 05:49:13 PM CST
Updated On: Dec 30 2013 09:56:56 AM CST

Snipped:

Crews searching for Sowders Monday morning said they spotted something in the water where they had been searching. It's unclear what the sonar picked up, but a dive team will now enter the water.

Read more & view video:

http://m.click2houston.com/news/search-for-missing-pregnant-woman-continues/-/16714936/23688842/-/ctuaxr/-/index.html

Sonar image redirects EquuSearch hunt for pregnant Houston woman

By Dale Lezon | December 30, 2013 | Updated: December 30, 2013 1:08pm


1 of 13
On Dec. 30, 2013, Texas EquuSearch checks Cypress Creek in a boat equipped with sonar for signs of Melissa Sowders, who has been missing since Dec. 26. (James Nielsen / Chronicle)

Volunteers with Texas EquuSearch have focused their attention on portions of Cypress Creek in north Harris County in their effort to find a pregnant 26-year-old woman missing since Thursday.

~Snipped~

Searchers have scoured more than 300 square miles of northwest Harris County for any sign of Sowders. They expect to search Cypress Creek near the North Freeway where they recently used sonar to find what appears to be an image of something underwater, said Tim Miller, the group's founder.

Miller said the water may be the best bet of finding the missing woman. He plans to search the water at the site of the sonar image.

"I've gotten false images before," he said. "I certainly want to investigate this one some more."

Read more:

http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Sonar-image-redirects-EquuSearch-hunt-for-5101791.php?cmpid=houtexhcat

Search for missing pregnant woman to resume Tuesday in Cypress Creek

by KHOU.com staff
Posted on December 29, 2013 at 5:52 PM
Updated yesterday at 10:37 PM

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — The search for a 26-year-old pregnant woman reportedly last seen Thursday will resume Tuesday morning in northern Harris County, but her family does not expect to find her alive.

Volunteers from Texas Equusearch brought boats with sonar equipment to Cypress Creek on Monday morning to look for Melissa Sowders.

~Snipped~

“Pretty much from the first day that we knew she was missing, and the circumstances of how she went missing. We knew. We knew,” Michelle Bierman, Sowders’ cousin, said Monday afternoon.

What the missing woman's cousin says they knew is that something bad had happened to the missing woman, and they knew who they would suspect.

“She was terrified of him (her ex-husband). Terrified,” she said

~Snipped~

Texas Equusearch would only say they have good reason to be at the location near Interstate-45 and Cypress Creek. That their sonar has picked up in image in 12 feet of water that is worth investigating further.

~Snipped~

“I’m very optimistic she’s going to be found. I can put it like that. I’m very optimistic she’s gonna be found,” Miller said. “I would hope it’s gonna be today. If it’s not…I’m optimistic she’s gonna be found.”

Read more:

http://www.khou.com/news/local/Search-for-missing-pregnant-woman-to-resume-on-Monday-morning-237905071.html

Photo Gallery:

http://www.khou.com/news/local/Search-for-missing-pregnant-woman-to-resume-on-Monday-morning-237905071.html?gallery=y&c=y#/news/local/Search-for-missing-pregnant-woman-to-resume-on-Monday-morning-237905071.html?gallery=y&c=y&img=0

HARRIS COUNTY

Harris County Sheriff's Office
News Release
Saturday, December 28, 2013

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the disappearance of Melissa Rene Sowders, a 26 year old, white female. Ms. Sowders was last seen at the McDonalds Restaurant, located at 339 FM 1960 at Interstate 45, at approximately 11:00 A.M., Thursday, December 26, 2013.

Ms. Sowders was reported missing by a friend Thursday afternoon and is believed to be a victim of foul play. Ms. Sowders drives a white, 1995 Honda Accord, 4Door, bearing Texas License # CL3H494. The front driver’s door of the Honda is black.

Anyone with information regarding the disappearance of Melissa Rene Sowders, or if anyone knows the location of her 1995 Honda Accord, they are asked to contact the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit at 713.967.5810, or call Crime Stoppers at 713.222.TIPS(8477).

http://www.guidrynews.com/story.aspx?id=1000057560

__________________

HARRIS COUNTY

Harris County Sheriff's Office
News Release
Monday, December 30, 2013

The 1995 Honda Accord driven by Melissa Rene Sowders has been recovered and is being examined for evidence as the search for her continues. The 26-year-old woman was reported missing Dec. 26 and is believed to be the victim of foul play.

The car, a photo of which was made public by the Sheriff's Office late last week, was found in a parking lot in the 16700 block of the North Freeway.

HCSO and Texas EquuSearch personnel have been looking for more evidence in a section of Cypress Creek near Sowders' apartment east of the North Freeway.

Anyone with information regarding her disappearance is asked to contact the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Unit at 713.967.5810, or Crime Stoppers at 713.222.TIPS(8477).

See something? Say something!

iWatchHarrisCounty is the HCSO’s free mobile phone app that allows the public to report suspicious persons and/or activity anonymously, anywhere, any time.

For more information please visit http://www.iwatchharriscounty.com/

http://www.guidrynews.com/story.aspx?id=1000057578

Search for pregnant mother enters fourth day (Video)

Posted: Dec 30, 2013 7:31 PM CSTUpdated: Dec 30, 2013 7:31 PM CST

By Greg Groogan, Special Projects Reporter

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - In the chilly waters of Cypress Creek a grim search grinds through its fourth day. It is here that Tim Miller fears Texas Equusearch will make its 172nd recovery.

"My personal instinct is telling me she's in this creek. That's what it's telling me," said Miller.

He's talking about 26 year old Melissa Sowders, a pregnant mother of four missing since the day after Christmas. Last seen at the McDonald's on FM 1960 and Highway 45, Sowders white Honda was discovered Friday abandoned on Richie Road.

Read more:

http://www.myfoxhouston.com/story/24331551/searh-for-pregnant-mother-enters-fourth-day#ixzz2p4P2cybP

Search for missing pregnant woman continues


Author: Courtney Gilmore, Reporter, cgilmore@kprc.com
Jill Courtney, Sr. Web Editor, Click2Houston.com

Published On: Dec 31 2013 12:05:14 PM CST

HARRIS COUNTY - The search for a missing pregnant woman has entered its fifth day.

Authorities and volunteers with Texas EquuSearch are searching for Melissa Sowders, 26, who disappeared on Thursday after she was supposed to meet her ex-husband, Matthew Sowders.

Investigators suspect foul play in her disappearance.

~Snipped~

After several days of searching for the young mother of four, crews are calling the search a recovery mission.

“It's a tough pill to swallow, but you know, I think the most we can hope for is to get her located as quick as possible,” said Tim Miller with Texas EquuSearch.

On Monday, a sonar device spotted something underwater but volunteers ran into problems with equipment malfunctioning in the tough terrain.

~Snipped~

Family members say that Melissa’s ex-husband liked to fish right here in this creek. They believe that she may be nearby. They also say she was concerned about meeting with him because of her safety.

According to Melissa’s family, the four children live with their father.

Harris County Homicide detectives are not releasing any new details.

Read more:

http://www.click2houston.com/news/search-for-missing-pregnant-woman-continues/-/1735978/23713486/-/98skip/-/index.html

Watched the local TV news at 4 PM on KTRK (ABC) - Houston, TX.  The update is not posted to their website yet.

Reporter said Harris County Sheriff's Office has a warrant to search ex-husband's (estranged ? husband) truck to gather evidence and that it is being processed for evidence.

Search for Melissa Sowders continues at Cypress Creek.

The Texas EquuSearch team says it has now shifted its mission to locate Sowders from a rescue to recovery mode.

Although the 4 pm update is not posted to KTRK's website yet, this is the Link to their homepage and hopefully they'll have a video and article update posted soon:

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/index
KTRK (ABC) - Houston, TX  -- Homepage

Missing woman's ex-husband no longer cooperating with authorities

Updated at 05:26 PM today
Katie McCall




HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Family members are hoping for new developments in the search for a missing pregnant mom. Search teams are spending extra time in the water of Cypress Creek, looking for the mother of four. She disappeared in north Harris County five days ago.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office says it is focused on a section of the creek where sonar equipment detected what could be a body.

~Snipped~

Texas EquuSearch volunteers have been assisting in the investigation, and EquuSearch is confident this is where her body will be found.

~Sipped~

Detectives say Matthew Sowders is not in custody. Investigators say while he was initially cooperative, he is no longer talking to them.

Read more:

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=9377221


(From the link Ann - TX posted above)

Thank you, Ann!

tweets from Katie McCall - Reporter/Week-end Anchor - - KTRK (ABC) - Houston, TX (6 to 8 hours ago):

Katie McCall ‏@13KatieMcCall  8h  
Melissa Sowders' husband Matthew's vehicle is being processed by crime scene investigators. He's not in custody.#ABC13

Katie McCall ‏@13KatieMcCall  7h  
Texas Equusearch "confident" Melissa Sowders' body will be found in Cypress Creek. Foul play suspected. pic.twitter.com/TLex1VIJ8x




Katie McCall ‏@13KatieMcCall  6h  
Divers leaving Cypress Creek, after searching for missing 26 year old pregnant mother of 4, Melissa Sowders. pic.twitter.com/ZG2eW8PpyP



Source:

https://twitter.com/13KatieMcCall
twitter - Katie McCall - KTRK

Missing woman's ex-husband no longer cooperating with authorities

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Katie McCall

Excerpt:

Melissa Sowders was last seen the day after Christmas at a McDonald's not far from the search area. She was there to meet her estranged husband, Matthew, who has since hired a lawyer. We have confirmed that his car is being processed by crime scene investigators.

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=9377221

Crews believe they're close to finding Melissa Sowders, who's been missing a week

Updated at 05:22 PM  - January 1, 2014

KTRK (ABC) - Houston, TX


HOUSTON (KTRK) --  It's closing in on a week since a mother of four went missing in north Harris County. Now, search crews believe they may be closer to finding her. They've been searching the water of Cypress Creek for the last few days, trying to find Melissa Sowders.

Read more and view video:

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=9378400
~~~~~~~

Per the reporter in linked video, Texas EquuSearch will be back tomorrow to continue the search.

Interesting video from KPRC (NBC) - Houston, TX. This is from last night, 12/31/13 - 10 p.m. News.

There is now a $5,000 reward by Crime Stoppers - Houston. Investigators are now posting flyers.

The reporter in the video went to the ex-husband's apartment. Numerous attempts to contact him including notes left at the front door. No contact.

Investigators have posted the Crime Stoppers' fliers throughout the apartment complex (where ex-husband lives).
~~~~~~~

Video and article:

http://www.click2houston.com/news/search-for-missing-pregnant-woman-continues/-/1735978/23713486/-/98skip/-/index.html
KPRC (NBC) - Houston, TX -- 12/31/13

Search for missing pregnant woman continues

Published On: Dec 31 2013 12:05:14 PM CST Updated On: Dec 31 2013 10:55:18 PM CST

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=9378400

_____________________



http://www.click2houston.com/news/search-for-missing-pregnant-woman-continues/-/1735978/23713486/-/98skip/-/index.html

(The links to the above videos/articles were provided by Ann - TX)

Thank you so much, Ann!

Family shares surveillance video of missing pregnant mother

by Malini Basu / KHOU 11 News (CBS)
Houston, TX

Posted on January 1, 2014 at 6:03 PM
UpdatedJanuary 1, 2014 at 6:20 PM





HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — The search for a 26-year-old pregnant woman reportedly last seen Thursday resumed Wednesday in northern Harris County, but her family does not expect to find her alive.

According to officials, Melissa Sowders was last seen by her boyfriend, Jason Sanford, who said that she had dropped him off for work at 6:15 a.m. Sowders was in their white Honda Accord, which deputies found Friday night on Interstate 45 near Richey Road.

Read more & view video:

http://www.khou.com/news/local/Family-shares-surveillance-video-of-missing-pregnant-mother-238384821.html

Ales, you are welcome. Glad you posted the videos. For some time, I've had a problem posting videos at RC.

I tried to post the video from KHOU (see above) and it worked! Yeah!   

Attorney for ex-husband of missing pregnant woman speaks out

Author: Robert Arnold, Investigative Reporter, rarnold@kprc.com

Published On: Jan 01 2014 06:37:08 PM CST

~Snipped~

"I  can't comment on the last contact because I am not aware of the last contact, we haven't gone into detail. As far as I'm concerned this is still a missing person's investigation. Anything that the police has told the media is probably as much knowledge as I have or am willing to share," said attorney Dustan Neyland. "Obviously this is a family time, the family is going through a lot of stress, they love Melissa very much and hopes she returns safe. They just didn't fell the need to go to the media and tell them that."

Read more:

http://www.click2houston.com/news/attorney-for-exhusband-of-missing-pregnant-woman-speaks-out/-/1735978/23727676/-/qvnjk2/-/index.html

___________________

Through lawyer, estranged husband of missing N. Harris County woman says he's not responsible

Updated at 11:01 AM today

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- We have new information in the search for a missing pregnant mother. Melissa Sowders' family has repeatedly stated that her estranged husband played a role in her disappearance. And now, through his lawyer, we have his side of the story.

After Melissa Sowders disappeared, her estranged husband, Matthew, posted two messages on the Eyewitness News Facebook page.

The first says, "I just want her found. Please someone help me find her." The second says, "Please just keep your eyes open."

Investigators say the messages were posted the day after Matthew Sowders had stopped cooperating with them, saying he wanted a lawyer. His attorney, Dustan Neyland, spoke to us on his behalf.

"Was Matthew involved in her disappearance?" we asked.

"Absolutely not," he told us.

~Snipped~

So we asked what Matthew Sowders says happened that day.

"How did things end that day that he saw her? How did they part ways?" we asked.

"I can't make any comments on the police investigation. If there is anything, I'll let them reveal that to the media," Neyland answered.

We also asked why we aren't hearing from Matthew himself.

"If he had nothing to do with it, what does he have to hide?" we asked.

Neyland answered, "He doesn't. He's already talked to police."

Read more:

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=9378400

http://www.click2houston.com/news/attorney-for-exhusband-of-missing-pregnant-woman-speaks-out/-/1735978/23727676/-/qvnjk2/-/index.html
KPRC (NBC) - Houston, TX   1/1/14  -- Attorney for ex-husband of missing pregnant woman speaks out

Dustin Neyland is mentioned in the  video & article from KPRC (NBC)  as the attorney representing Melissa Sowders'  estranged husband. (Media states ex-husband.  Not divorced yet so it is Melissa's estranged husband.)

The following Link is to Neyland's law firm.  He is with the law firm of Greco & Neyland, PC with offices in Kingwood, TX (adjacent to Houston, TX) on I-59 North.

http://neylandlegal.com/
Neyland legal.com




Dustan Neyland is an experienced and effective trial lawyer. He is a former Harris County felony, misdemeanor, and juvenile prosecutor. Mr. Neyland has over 10 years of legal experience.  He began his career working for the prestigious Oklahoma City firm of Niemeyer, Alexander, Austin, and Phillips, P.C. where he worked under the guidance of expert attorneys and was taught how to investigate and litigate cases.  After leaving the firm and moving back to Texas, Mr. Neyland joined the ranks of the Harris County District Attorney’s Office in Houston, TX. During his tenure with the District Attorney, Mr. Neyland learned the art of being an effective trial attorney, the proper way to present evidence that a jury can understand, and how to make an effective argument to obtain the desired outcome.

See more at: http://neylandlegal.com/firm-overview/attorney-profile/#sthash.UYh3pVQa.dpuf

If you "do" Facebook, you might want to "click around" on the following:

https://www.facebook.com/matthew.sowders.16
Facebook - Matthew Sowders






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https://www.facebook.com/melissa.sowders.5
Facebook - Melissa Sowders

Body found in Cypress Creek by searchers looking for missing pregnant woman

by Malini Basu / KHOU 11 News & KHOU.com staff
Posted on January 2, 2014 at 10:32 AM
Updated today at 10:35 AM

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — Eqqusearch volunteers found a body in Cypress Creek Thursday morning where they've been searching for a missing pregnant woman.

An autopsy will likely be needed to determine if the victim is 26-year-old Melissa Sowders.

Read more:

http://www.khou.com/news/crime/Body-found-in-Cypress-Creek-by-searchers-looking-for-missing-pregnant-woman-238457631.html

Body found near search effort for missing mom Melissa Sowders

Updated at 10:50 AM today




HOUSTON (KTRK) -- An intense search has been underway for a missing mother who is believed to be the victim of foul play since she disappeared last week, and now a body has been found in the area.

A Texas EquuSearch team located and is recovering a body in Cypress Creek near the residence of Melissa R. Sowders, 26, who was reported missing last week amid indications that she had been a victim of foul play.

The recovery site in far north Harris County is northeast of the intersection of the North Freeway (I-45) and Parramatta Lane, investigators said. The body has not yet been officially identified.

Read more:

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=9379149

Through lawyer, estranged husband of missing N. Harris County woman says he's not responsible

Updated at 11:32 AM today (1/2/14)

KTRK (ABC) - Houston, TX

HOUSTON (KTRK) --  We have new information in the search for a missing pregnant mother. Melissa Sowders' family has repeatedly stated that her estranged husband played a role in her disappearance. And now, through his lawyer, we have his side of the story.

Snipped:

Investigators say the messages were posted the day after Matthew Sowders had stopped cooperating with them, saying he wanted a lawyer. His attorney, Dustan Neyland, spoke to us on his behalf.

"Was Matthew involved in her disappearance?" we asked.

"Absolutely not," he told us.

Snipped:

So we asked what Matthew Sowders says happened that day.

"How did things end that day that he saw her? How did they part ways?" we asked.

"I can't make any comments on the police investigation. If there is anything, I'll let them reveal that to the media," Neyland answered.

We also asked why we aren't hearing from Matthew himself.

"If he had nothing to do with it, what does he have to hide?" we asked.

Neyland answered, "He doesn't. He's already talked to police."

Read more:

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=9378400

From all of the media reports and the "interviews" with Melissa Sowders' boyfriend Jason, something strikes me as "not being right." The boyfriend shows no real emotion and he has been "close" to the scene (recovery area) and available for media interviews.

I wonder if LE took a "close look" at Jason. The media is reporting about Matthew Sowders not cooperating with LE any longer, truck being processed, etc. and no one has been named a person of interest.

It would not surprise me if Jason had something to do with Melissa Sowders death.

Jason is "strange" and for someone who claims Melissa was 2 months pregnant with his child . . . very strange reaction/emotion (lack of).

I wonder if he will be on Nancy Grace tonight . . . lol.

All of the above is just my opinion at this time.

Body found in Cypress Creek near home of missing woman

Published On: Jan 02 2014 10:36:03 AM CST   Updated On: Jan 02 2014 01:31:41 PM CST

KPRC (NBC) - Houston, TX


HARRIS COUNTY -  
A Texas EquuSearch team has recovered a body Thursday morning in Cypress Creek near the area where they were searching for a missing pregnant woman.

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office says the body was found near the residence of Melissa Sowders, 26, who was last seen on December 26 after she was supposed to meet her ex-husband, Matthew Sowders.

Read more:

http://www.click2houston.com/news/texas-equusearch-body-found-in-cypress-creek/-/1735978/23737798/-/9hjgb4/-/index.html

Body found in creek near where pregnant Houston woman went missing

By Dale Lezon | January 2, 2014 | Updated: January 2, 2014 1:02pm


Photo By Cody Duty/Houston Chronicle

1 of 27

Jason Sanford, the boyfriend of Melissa Sowders, left, is comforted by a man who wished not to be identified, near the scene where Sowders went missing December 26, Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014, in Houston. Texas EquuSearch found the body of a woman they believe is Sowders. She is two months pregnant and the mother of four.

A body was found Thursday morning in Cypress Creek near where a 26-year-old woman went missing the day after Christmas after she reportedly was to meet her estranged husband.

Searchers were walking the banks of the creek when they spotted the body floating at about 9:30 a.m. near the North Freeway, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office.

~Snipped~

HCSO spokesman Deputy Thomas Gilliland said authorities cannot discuss information about the investigation, including what led them to Cypress Creek. He would only confirm the woman lived near the location.

Gilliland also declined to identify any possible suspects in the case.

He said the body has distinctive tattoos that investigators will use for identification.

~Snipped~

Sowders' boyfriend, Jason Sanford, said detectives had called him earlier to ask about tattoos on Sowders. He said she has tattoos of stars up one side of her stomach, as well as the name of her estranged husband tattooed on her waist. He said he suspected they wanted to know about the tattoos to identify the body.

Read more:

http://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Body-found-in-creek-near-where-pregnant-Houston-5108474.php?cmpid=bnaros

This article/video report which includes an interview with Matthew Sowders' attorney was on the local (Houston) news last night.  Worth watching the video.
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Attorney for ex-husband of missing pregnant woman speaks out

Published On: Jan 01 2014 06:37:08 PM CST   Updated On: Jan 01 2014 10:44:29 PM CST

KPRC (NBC) - Houston, TX

Read article and view video here:


http://www.click2houston.com/news/attorney-for-exhusband-of-missing-pregnant-woman-speaks-out/-/1735978/23727676/-/qvnjk2/-/index.html

Watching the local (Houston) news.

Matthew Sowders has been arrested in the alleged murder of Melissa Sowders. He was arrested in the driveway of his Humble, TX (near Houston) home. He was getting ready to get in the passenger side of a vehicle when law enforcement arrested him. It is a home that he and Melissa shared at one time per reporter.

Katie McCall (Reporter/Anchor - KTRK -- Houston, TX) was at the scene when Matthew Sowders was taken into custody.

KTRK film crew has it on film!

http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=9379149
KTRK  - Houston, TX   --   1/2/14  --Updated at 05:05 PM today

Missing mom's estranged husband arrested after body found near search area

http://www.click2houston.com/news/texas-equusearch-body-found-in-cypress-creek/-/1735978/23737798/-/9hjgb4/-/index.html
KPRC (NBC) - Houston, TX   --  Updated On: Jan 02 2014 05:04:04 PM CST

Estranged husband of missing woman arrested hours after body found near her home


Snipped:

Matthew Sowders was taken into custody Thursday afternoon at a home in the Humble area and is now facing capital murder charges.

BREAKING: Estranged husband of missing pregnant woman arrested on capital murder charge


Credit: HCSO
Matt Sowders, left, is charged with capital murder in the
disappearance of his 26-year-old wife, Melissa.

Posted on January 2, 2014 at 10:32 AM
Updated today at 5:34 PM

KHOU (CBS) - Houston, TX


HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — The estranged husband of 26-year-old Melissa Sowders was arrested Thursday evening in Humble.

Matt Sowders, 28, is charged with capital murder in connection with the disappearance of his pregnant wife.

U.S. Marshals, Harris County Sheriff's deputies and members of the Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force took Sowders into custody outside his parents' home.

They were waiting when Sowders walked out of the house with his father.

"Get on the ground," Marshals yelled and Sowder's father immediately complied.

"We were going to the bond place because we heard the warrant's been issued," Sowder's father said. "We were trying to comply."

Read more:

http://www.khou.com/news/crime/Body-found-in-Cypress-Creek-by-searchers-looking-for-missing-pregnant-woman-238457631.html

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Per this article, he was arrested at his parents' home.  KTRK said he was arrested at the home he shared with Melissa at one time.  

Sigh.... breaking news sometimes is misreported.

http://www.khou.com/news/crime/Body-found-in-Cypress-Creek-by-searchers-looking-for-missing-pregnant-woman-238457631.html

Estranged husband charged in death of pregnant wife

By Allan Turner, Dale Lezon | January 2, 2014 | Updated: January 2, 2014 6:39pm
The Houston Chronicle - Houston, TX



Photo By Melissa Phillip / Houston Chronicle  - 1 of 31

Authorities from the Harris County Sheriff's Office escort
Matthew Sowders into the sheriff's office at 601 Lockwood
on Thursday. The estranged husband of Melissa Sowders
was arrested hours after a body was found near where
the pregnant woman vanished.


Searchers on Thursday recovered the body of Melissa Rene Sowders from the waters of Cypress Creek, ending the eight-day hunt for the pregnant mother of four who disappeared after she reportedly went to meet her estranged husband and infant daughter at a North Houston McDonald's.

Several hours after the body was found, Matthew Sowders, 28, was arrested at his Humble home and charged with capital murder.

Melissa Sowders, 26, and her husband, filed for divorce in the fall after their marriage of nine years had soured.

The couple had four children, ranging in age from 8 months to 8 years. Melissa Sowders was expecting her fifth child this year.

Read more and view photo gallery:

http://www.chron.com/neighborhood/spring/crime-courts/article/Estranged-husband-charged-in-death-of-pregnant-5108474.php?cmpid=hpfc

Ex-husband of missing pregnant mom arrested after body found in Texas creek

Matthew Sowders was arrested on capital murder charges Thursday evening after a body believed to be 26-year-old Melissa Sowders was found in a Houston-area creek, the Harris County Sheriff's Office announced.

BY NINA GOLGOWSKI / NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
THURSDAY, JANUARY 2, 2014, 7:01 PM

The estranged husband of a pregnant mother of four who vanished last week is behind bars just hours after a body was found near her Texas home, according to police.

Matthew Sowders was arrested on capital murder charges Thursday evening after a body believed to be 26-year-old Melissa Sowders was found in a Houston-area creek, the Harris County Sheriff's Office announced.

The capital murder charge means if Sowders is found guilty, he could be faced with the death penalty in the state of Texas.

Read more:

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/ex-husband-missing-pregnant-mom-arrested-body-found-article-1.1564915

Found Deceased (Pending Identification): Melissa Rene Sowders

01-02-14 - Texas EquuSearch Director Tim Miller, and Texas EquuSearch member Paul Kovach and have located a body in Cypress Creek during the search for 26 year-old Melissa Sowders. Though the body is thought to be Melissa; positive identification must still be confirmed by the medical examiner and law enforcement investigators.

Read more:

http://texasequusearch.org/
Texas EquuSearch