Texas Seeks Citizens’ Help in Solving 45-Year Double Murder Cold Case

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is asking the public for help in finding the one responsible for a horrific double murder that left a woman and her teenage son strangled to death over 45 years ago.

There is a $6,000 reward for anyone who is able to submit a tip that will help the investigations.

The Death of a Texas Mother and Son

In December of 1980, Estella Salinas, 31, and her son, Andrew, 14, were on their way across town in Houston to visit family for Christmas. The pair were last seen in front of a McDonald's in Estella's blue 1972 Mercury Cougar.

Later, the vehicle was found near the freeway with the keys and their personal belongings still inside.

On Christmas Day, both bodies of Estella and Andrew were found near the 4500 block of Creekmont Drive. They had each been strangled by an unknown attacker.

Looking for Witnesses

Witnesses have come forward with pieces of information over the years, but they, unfortunately, never amounted to an arrest. Today's modern technology has made it easier than ever in the past to analyze DNA samples in hopes of finding a match.

This is why the Houston Police Department and the Texas Rangers are reopening the case 45 years later to explore what the community can do to help in seeking justice for this mother and her son by finding the criminal responsible.

How to Report an Anonymous Tip

If you have any information on this cold case from 1980 or any unsolved cases in Texas, you can always submit an anonymous Crime Stoppers tip through one of three methods:

• Call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477)
• Submit an online tip form with the Texas Department of Public Safety
  • Navigate to "Cold Cases Featured" and then "Cold Case - Texas Rangers" for the Offense Type