Investigators seek leads in sexual homicide

Gregg County Sheriff 's investigators are releasing the identity of whom they call a "person of interest" in the investigation of an unidentified deceased female, found near Kilgore on October 29, 2006.

Since investigators recovered the burning body the case has been investigated as an unsolved sexual homicide.

"We know Joseph Wayne Burnette, 30 years of age, of Longview, was with the victim before she was killed," Mike Claxton sheriff 's lieutenant, said. "Burnette is a registered sexual offender and is incarcerated in the Institutional Division of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice on sex offender related charges."

According to Claxton, although investigators have checked many leads trying to identify this person, her identity remains unknown.

Pathologists at Dallas County Medical Examiners Office believe the victim was between 17 and 22 years of age, 5-foot-3-inches tall and 100 to 120 pounds at the time of her death.

"A distinguishing characteristic of this young woman is that she may have had blonde hair with red highlights or red hair with blonde highlights," Claxton said.

Clothing worn by the victim at the time of her death were "One Tuff Babe" brand size 7/8 blue jeans and a purple or mauve colored shirt or sweat shirt, according to Claxton.

Anyone who believes they saw Burnette with the victim before October 29, 2006 or knows the identity of the victim is urged to contact investigators at 903- 236-8400 or toll free at 1-800- 765-2189. As usual those who desire to remain anonymous can report any information to Gregg County crime stoppers.