BODY RECOVERED FROM WHATLEY CREEK IN SOUTH MINERAL WELLS
MINERAL WELLS, TEXAS – On October 22, 2021, at approximately 2:00 PM, a concerned citizen came into the Mineral Wells Police Department to report sighting a possible body in Whatley Creek, just south of Mineral Wells. The citizen reported observing what appeared to be a human body among the trees and debris just west of the Woodland Park Cemetery. Officers responded and began to search the creek area in the vicinity of 3000 SW 5th Avenue.
Approximately 15 minutes after arrival, officers made their way through the heavy vegetation and confirmed an apparent body in the water of the creek approximately 30 yards west of the bridge at that location. Mineral Wells Fire/EMS Rescue personnel responded to the scene and assisted in the process of recovery. Following recovery of the body, the victim was transported to the Southwestern Institute of Forensic Sciences, Dallas, Texas, for further examination and autopsy.
At the time of this release, the body is unidentified and will require additional forensic investigation for identification and determination of a cause of death. Investigators at the scene believe the body has been in the water for an extended period of time. More information will be released upon the conclusion of the medical examiner’s autopsy, positive identification of the victim, and notification of next of kin.
Mineral Wells investigators have been in contact with the family of Betty Plumlee, 66, who was last seen sometime around October 10, 2021, after being reported missing from her home. It is unknown whether or not the body recovered is that of Mrs. Plumlee, at this time.
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DEAN A. SULLIVAN
CHIEF OF POLICE
