The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

It has been more than three years since Billy Harris, 71, of Orange was found dead at a residence located at 518-C Dupont Drive.

Officers from the Orange Police Department were called to the small frame house in the Cove area in May 2009 after an acquaintance had found him dead on the floor facing kitchen area. The door was slightly ajar when they arrived at the scene and found the body and confirmed there were “no signs of life.”

It was noted in the report there was both old and new damage to the door jamb. In addition, near the victim’s head was a hole in the wall where the sheetrock had been damaged, according to reports.

It was reported Harris did not live at the residence in which he was found. Precinct 3 Judge Janice Menard was called to the scene and she ordered an autopsy. Initially, officers thought he died a natural death. However, it was discovered he actually died of a gunshot wound to his head.

As a result, it was determined to be a homicide and an investigation was launched.

Orange Animal Control was called to the scene to remove more than a dozen cats from the area. Investigators were then able to work more effectively and collect evidence from the scene.

Investigators had some “persons of interest” in the case, but were “short of anything solid,” in order to make an arrest. Harris has been known to be involved in illegal activities and investigators cannot rule out the fact of drug activity being involved in the case.

Texas Rangers were called in on the case as a “second set of eyes” to see if they could help develop any new leads or avenues to pursue. But, were unsuccessful.

Investigators with OPD are asking the public for assistance in the case.

Anyone with any additional information on the case is asked to call the Orange Police Department at 409-883-1026.

Pictured: Billy Harris