Curtis Don Brown
Texas Serial Killer and Rapist
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Arlington, Texas
TIME PERIOD
1985-1986
VICTIMS
3 confirmed
Curtis Don Brown, an American serial killer and rapist, was active in Arlington and Fort Worth, Texas, between 1985 and 1986, during which he is suspected of committing up to 18 murders, ultimately convicted for three. His criminal activities included the rape and murder of 51-year-old Jewel Woods on May 28, 1986, for which he was arrested after being spotted fleeing the scene, and later convicted in 1989, receiving a life sentence. In 2005, DNA evidence linked him to the unsolved murders of 29-year-old Terece Gregory and 18-year-old Sharyn Kills Back, leading to additional charges; he pleaded guilty to these murders in 2009. Significant evidence includes DNA profiling that connected Brown to the victims, with Gregory's body found in the Trinity River and Kills Back's body discovered in a storm drain, both showing signs of sexual assault and homicide. Brown remains incarcerated, serving life imprisonment.
Curtis Don Brown is believed to have committed up to 18 murders, although he has only been convicted of three. Some speculate that his early traumatic experience of surviving a house fire, which killed his siblings, may have contributed to his violent behavior later in life. Additionally, there are theories suggesting that Brown may have had accomplices or that other unsolved cases in the area could be linked to him.
The Sinister Path of Curtis Don Brown
A Troubled Beginning
Curtis Don Brown's life began on August 2, 1958, marking the start of a journey that would eventually spiral into darkness. At the tender age of 13, Brown narrowly survived a devastating house fire that tragically claimed the lives of his two younger siblings and left his mother injured. This traumatic event seemed to ignite a troubling pattern of behavior in Brown, a precursor of the horrors that were to unfold.
In the early 1980s, seeking proximity to his mother, Brown relocated to Texas. This move set the stage for a series of heinous crimes that would haunt the state.
The Murders Begin
On May 28, 1986, the brutal murder of 51-year-old Jewel Woods, a former nurse from Fort Worth, marked a pivotal moment in Brown's criminal history. Woods was raped and bludgeoned to death just outside her home, a crime that shocked the community. Fate intervened when officers, in the area for an unrelated investigation, witnessed Brown fleeing the scene. Out of breath from running nearly a mile, he was apprehended with Woods’ purse in his possession. By 1989, justice was served as Brown was convicted of Woods' murder, earning him a life sentence in prison.
The Cold Cases Resurface
Years passed, but the shadows of Brown's other potential crimes loomed large. In 2005, a new prison mandate required Brown to submit a DNA sample. This seemingly routine procedure would unravel more of Brown's dark secrets. The DNA profile matched evidence from two unsolved murders in 1985, bringing long-awaited answers to the families of Terece Gregory and Sharyn Kills Back.
Sharyn Kills Back's body was discovered on March 23, 1985, by a plumber working in Southern Arlington. She had been missing since March 15, and her body was found with a rope around her neck, pointing to strangulation. Two months later, on May 30, the body of Terece Gregory surfaced in the Trinity River in Fort Worth. Gregory, last seen leaving a nightclub, had been raped and shot, her body bearing the DNA evidence that would later implicate Brown.
Justice Served
Armed with this new evidence, authorities indicted Brown on capital murder charges for Gregory's death and subsequently charged him in Kills Back's murder. In 2009, facing the weight of incontrovertible DNA evidence and the prospect of a death sentence, Brown entered a plea agreement. He pleaded guilty to these additional murders, receiving two life sentences without the possibility of parole, to be served concurrently.
Investigators continue to suspect Brown's involvement in as many as 18 murders dating back to 1984. However, to this day, no further charges have been brought against him.
The Unyielding Quest for Truth
Curtis Don Brown's story is a harrowing reminder of the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary lives. As the legal book closes on the crimes committed, the unanswered questions about the full extent of his actions linger, casting a long shadow over the pursuit of justice for the victims and their families.
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First Victim Disappears
Sharyn Kills Back goes missing in Arlington, Texas.
First Body Found
Sharyn Kills Back's body is discovered in a storm drain.
Second Body Found
Terece Gregory's body is found floating in the Trinity River.
Brown Arrested
Curtis Don Brown is arrested for the murder of Jewel Woods.
Conviction for Woods' Murder
Brown is convicted of murdering Jewel Woods and sentenced to life imprisonment.
DNA Evidence Links Brown
Brown's DNA matches evidence from the unsolved murders of Kills Back and Gregory.
Guilty Plea for Two Murders
Brown pleads guilty to the murders of Kills Back and Gregory, receiving two life sentences.
Suspected of More Murders
Investigators suspect Brown may be responsible for up to 18 additional murders.
Curtis Don Brown, an American serial killer and rapist, was active in Arlington and Fort Worth, Texas, between 1985 and 1986, during which he is suspected of committing up to 18 murders, ultimately convicted for three. His criminal activities included the rape and murder of 51-year-old Jewel Woods on May 28, 1986, for which he was arrested after being spotted fleeing the scene, and later convicted in 1989, receiving a life sentence. In 2005, DNA evidence linked him to the unsolved murders of 29-year-old Terece Gregory and 18-year-old Sharyn Kills Back, leading to additional charges; he pleaded guilty to these murders in 2009. Significant evidence includes DNA profiling that connected Brown to the victims, with Gregory's body found in the Trinity River and Kills Back's body discovered in a storm drain, both showing signs of sexual assault and homicide. Brown remains incarcerated, serving life imprisonment.
Curtis Don Brown is believed to have committed up to 18 murders, although he has only been convicted of three. Some speculate that his early traumatic experience of surviving a house fire, which killed his siblings, may have contributed to his violent behavior later in life. Additionally, there are theories suggesting that Brown may have had accomplices or that other unsolved cases in the area could be linked to him.
The Sinister Path of Curtis Don Brown
A Troubled Beginning
Curtis Don Brown's life began on August 2, 1958, marking the start of a journey that would eventually spiral into darkness. At the tender age of 13, Brown narrowly survived a devastating house fire that tragically claimed the lives of his two younger siblings and left his mother injured. This traumatic event seemed to ignite a troubling pattern of behavior in Brown, a precursor of the horrors that were to unfold.
In the early 1980s, seeking proximity to his mother, Brown relocated to Texas. This move set the stage for a series of heinous crimes that would haunt the state.
The Murders Begin
On May 28, 1986, the brutal murder of 51-year-old Jewel Woods, a former nurse from Fort Worth, marked a pivotal moment in Brown's criminal history. Woods was raped and bludgeoned to death just outside her home, a crime that shocked the community. Fate intervened when officers, in the area for an unrelated investigation, witnessed Brown fleeing the scene. Out of breath from running nearly a mile, he was apprehended with Woods’ purse in his possession. By 1989, justice was served as Brown was convicted of Woods' murder, earning him a life sentence in prison.
The Cold Cases Resurface
Years passed, but the shadows of Brown's other potential crimes loomed large. In 2005, a new prison mandate required Brown to submit a DNA sample. This seemingly routine procedure would unravel more of Brown's dark secrets. The DNA profile matched evidence from two unsolved murders in 1985, bringing long-awaited answers to the families of Terece Gregory and Sharyn Kills Back.
Sharyn Kills Back's body was discovered on March 23, 1985, by a plumber working in Southern Arlington. She had been missing since March 15, and her body was found with a rope around her neck, pointing to strangulation. Two months later, on May 30, the body of Terece Gregory surfaced in the Trinity River in Fort Worth. Gregory, last seen leaving a nightclub, had been raped and shot, her body bearing the DNA evidence that would later implicate Brown.
Justice Served
Armed with this new evidence, authorities indicted Brown on capital murder charges for Gregory's death and subsequently charged him in Kills Back's murder. In 2009, facing the weight of incontrovertible DNA evidence and the prospect of a death sentence, Brown entered a plea agreement. He pleaded guilty to these additional murders, receiving two life sentences without the possibility of parole, to be served concurrently.
Investigators continue to suspect Brown's involvement in as many as 18 murders dating back to 1984. However, to this day, no further charges have been brought against him.
The Unyielding Quest for Truth
Curtis Don Brown's story is a harrowing reminder of the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary lives. As the legal book closes on the crimes committed, the unanswered questions about the full extent of his actions linger, casting a long shadow over the pursuit of justice for the victims and their families.
Sources
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
Loading comments...
First Victim Disappears
Sharyn Kills Back goes missing in Arlington, Texas.
First Body Found
Sharyn Kills Back's body is discovered in a storm drain.
Second Body Found
Terece Gregory's body is found floating in the Trinity River.
Brown Arrested
Curtis Don Brown is arrested for the murder of Jewel Woods.
Conviction for Woods' Murder
Brown is convicted of murdering Jewel Woods and sentenced to life imprisonment.
DNA Evidence Links Brown
Brown's DNA matches evidence from the unsolved murders of Kills Back and Gregory.
Guilty Plea for Two Murders
Brown pleads guilty to the murders of Kills Back and Gregory, receiving two life sentences.
Suspected of More Murders
Investigators suspect Brown may be responsible for up to 18 additional murders.