The suspect, who had a murder warrant issued in a nearly 13-year-old murder, was arrested Jan. 25 by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.
Dimitri TJ Oliver, 33, was booked into the Jefferson County Correctional Facility for the homicide of Cody Crabtree, 26, and his bond was set at $1 million.
According to the Beaumont Police Department (BPD), renewed investigative efforts led to a significant breakthrough in the case and a suspect was identified on Jan. 22. Detectives obtained a murder warrant for Oliver, 33, who was 20 years old at the time of the homicide.
"As is standard practice with unsolved homicide cases, this investigation remained open and active. The case was recently reassigned to allow for a fresh perspective and renewed focus. In doing so, the newly assigned detective conducted additional follow-up work, re-interviewed witnesses, and continued to pursue leads with diligence and persistence," BPD stated.
April 11, 2013, at 3:40 p.m., officers responded to the 2500 block of Primrose in reference to a victim of a shooting. They found Cody Crabtree, 26, in the parking lot of an apartment complex suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to a local hospital, where he died the following day.
The investigation revealed Crabtree entered the apartment complex in his pickup truck and made contact with a dark four-door car occupied by several individuals. A verbal disturbance occurred resulting in Crabtree being shot. Shortly after, both vehicles were observed leaving the scene at a high rate of speed. The victim’s vehicle was later recovered abandoned.
BPD remains committed to seeking justice for victims and their families.
"Cold case homicides are never closed, and detectives continue to revisit these cases, leveraging persistence, investigative experience, and evolving techniques in hopes of bringing answers and accountability, even years later," according to the statement.
The case remains under investigation and detectives encourage anyone with additional information to come forward by calling BPD at (409) 832-1234 or Southeast Texas Crime Stoppers at 409-833-TIPS (8477).