Local News
Not just another cold case for Campbell family
Friends and family of Brent Campbell are hoping his death doesn’t turn into another of those cold cases that drag on for what seems like forever.
Campbell was initially reported missing, but was found dead face down April 29, 2007 in a wooded area behind his house located at 8264 N. Linscomb in Vidor. He was buried on his 41st birthday a few days later.
Investigators believe the body had been there about a week before it was discovered. Due to the hot and rainy weather, the cause of his death was undetermined because of the decomposition which had occurred. An autopsy was performed and it was reported there were no signs of trauma on the body.
But, the ex-wife of Brent Campbell, Jane Campbell, feels her former husband was murdered and he knew it was coming. He had hid weapons throughout the house including a gun under his pillow as he slept at night.
Before his death, Brent Campbell had signed over his vehicles to his former wife in a marked envelope, “keep these, you will need them.”
The couple was married for four years and had a son, but since the divorce eight years prior to his death, they had became better friends. Brent Campbell often visited and stayed for dinner.
“It was like we were still married, but lived separate,” Jane Campbell said.
There was not a gun found by the body and Jane Campbell said he could not have hurt himself intentionally. Besides, she added, he deeply loved his son and would have left a note or called before taking such drastic action.
“He didn’t commit suicide,” she said. “He just couldn’t.”
Campbell owned an air conditioning business and in his spare time enjoyed fishing and camping. In addition, he adored his 13-year-old son and treated his step-children as if they were his own.
“He was the kind of guy who would do anything for anybody,” Jane Campbell said.
But, he was known for his gift of laughing and making others laugh as well.
“He loved joking and picking,” Jane Campbell said.
Since then those left behind try to pick up the pieces and carry on with their lives. Their son is said to be “doing better than expected” but has had “a lot of sleepless nights.”
“He’s very missed,” Jane Campbell said.
Investigators have talked to friends and acquaintances. They have followed up on the leads as well.
“We investigate all deaths as a homicide until proven different,” said Chad Hogan of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.
Anyone with information on this case or any other is asked to call EasTex Crime Stoppers at 409-724-TIPS. Information received could earn the person a cash reward and they can remain anonymous. People can also call the Orange County Sheriff’s Office at 409-883-2612.
Debby Schamber is a reporter for the Orange Leader. She can be reached at 409-883-3571 ext. 2609 or at dschamber@orangeleader.com.
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