An arrest has been made in connection with a missing Kountze woman. Hardin County Sheriff Mark Davis says 42-year-old Daren Wayne Monk has been charged with murder in the disappearance of his girlfriend, 46-year-old Julia Renee Carter of Kountze.
The investigation began on Friday Oct 16, when a co-worker of Carter contacted the Hardin County Sheriff's Office about her not showing up at work for several days. The employee requested a welfare check at a home in Kountze. Over the course of several days, detectives collected evidence that indicates Carter was a victim of domestic violence the ended in her death.
Monk was identified as a suspect and fled the area after speaking with detectives via telephone and refused to cooperate with the investigation. At that time 356th State Court District Judge Steve Thomas issued a murder warrant against Monk.
Monk was tracked and arrested near Katy, in greater Houston area, on Wednesday, Oct 21, without incident and returned the Hardin County. Monk was arraigned by Hardin County Judge Justice of the Peace Charles Brewer, who set his bond at $1 million.
Carter's body has not been located. Assets from all across Southeast Texas are being utilized to locate her.
Monk