A man and woman have been arrested in Texas after authorities say the woman confessed to killing her mother and stepfather, leading investigators to recover the victims’ bodies in a ravine.
Welfare Check Leads to Grisly Discovery
According to the Medina County Sheriff’s Office, deputies began investigating on April 8 after responding to a welfare check when Stephen Rehbein failed to report to work.
When officers arrived at a residence in Mico, they observed signs indicating that a crime had taken place. While specific details were not disclosed, the evidence prompted investigators to secure a search warrant and begin a deeper investigation.
Suspects Located Through Vehicle Tracking
Using technology, authorities tracked Stephen Rehbein’s vehicle to the Corpus Christi area. With assistance from the Corpus Christi Police Department, officers conducted a traffic stop.
Inside the vehicle, deputies found Cassandra Lange, 29, Joby Williams, 30, and two young children.
Alleged Confession and Search for Bodies
During questioning, authorities say Lange — identified as the biological daughter of victim Cherry Rehbein — confessed that she and Williams had killed her mother and stepfather, Stephen Rehbein.
Investigators then launched a search near Medina Lake. Initial efforts were slowed due to nighttime conditions, but after several hours, deputies located two large garbage bags hidden in a deep ravine off FM 1283.
Bodies Recovered and Identified
The bodies were recovered and transported to a medical examiner’s office, where they were positively identified as Cherry and Stephen Rehbein.
Arrests and Charges
Lange and Williams were taken into custody and charged with capital murder of multiple persons. Authorities set bond at $1 million for each suspect.
Sheriff Randy Brown stated that the suspects were apprehended within seven hours of the initial welfare check call, crediting swift coordination among agencies for the rapid development of the case.
Children Placed in Protective Care
Two children — ages 6 years and 1 month — who were found in the vehicle with the suspects have been placed under Child Protective Services. Officials said efforts are underway to reunite them with family members.
