More than five decades after Carolyn Reynolds was found dead in southeast Travis County, her son is publicly asking the person responsible to come forward. Reynolds was 23 when she was killed on Aug. 19, 1974, and the case remains under investigation. Her son, Willie Reynolds, was 5 at the time.
In an interview with FOX 7 Austin, Reynolds said he remembers answering a call from the coroner and handing the phone to an aunt, who broke down after hearing the news. He was raised by aunts and uncles and described his mother as sweet and hardworking.
What Investigators Say About The 1974 Case
The Travis County Sheriff’s Office case listing says Carolyn was found near the junction of Platt Lane and FM 973. Her 14-year-old brother was found the same day with near-fatal injuries in the 2300 block of Rosewood Avenue in Austin, but survived.
The sheriff’s office identifies the investigation as case No. 74-34508 and says Carolyn had three children. The public case summary does not provide a suspect name or explain how the two events were connected.
Detectives Say Even One Detail Could Matter
Travis County’s Cold Case Unit says it continues to work unsolved homicide, sexual-assault and missing-person investigations using both traditional methods and newer investigative technology. The agency says a small piece of information that once seemed unimportant can sometimes revive a case and help families find answers, according to its cold-case tip page.
For Reynolds, the wait has lasted 52 years. He told FOX 7 Austin that he is not seeking suffering for the person responsible, but wants that person to come forward and face what happened.
How To Submit Information
Anyone with information about Carolyn Reynolds’ death or her brother’s injuries can call the Travis County Sheriff’s Office tip line at 512-854-1444. Anonymous information can also be submitted online through the sheriff’s cold-case tip system.
