Texas Rangers, Mineral Wells Police Announce Arrest in 2016 Cold Case

August 20

10:18 2025

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MINERAL WELLS, Texas — The Texas Department of Public Safety, Ranger Division, in coordination with the Mineral Wells Police Department, has announced the arrest of a suspect in connection with a 2016 sexual assault case.

William Henry Lowery, 60, was taken into custody on Aug. 7 after investigators linked him to the December 2016 assault through advanced DNA testing and genealogy research. He is charged with aggravated sexual assault.

On Dec. 10, 2016, Mineral Wells police responded to a residence in the 300 block of 27th Street, where a female victim reported being sexually assaulted by an unknown male who fled before officers arrived. DNA evidence was collected at the scene.

In 2023, the case was re-examined under the Texas Ranger Sexual Assault Kit Initiative program, funded through a U.S. Department of Justice grant. Evidence was sent to BODE Technology for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) testing and genealogy analysis, which led to the identification of Lowery as a suspect.

Authorities obtained an arrest warrant after comparing the evidence to Lowery, resulting in his arrest last week.

The Texas Department of Public Safety acknowledged the Mineral Wells Police Department for its ongoing work in the case and credited the Department of Justice grant funding for providing the resources needed to bring about the arrest.

“We are grateful for the tireless efforts of the Texas Rangers and DPS in pursuing this case,” the Mineral Wells Police Department said. “Their partnership has been invaluable in seeking justice for the victim.”
MWPD Chief Tim Denison