TX TX - Cristi Ruso 31, last seen @motel, bags w/clothes found on road in Dec, Jasper Co, 20 Oct 2021 *Arrest*

[Dargon335]

Do we know for certain where Cristi was last seen? Some MSM reports indicate she was last seen at a residence in the 1800 block of CR 777 (presumably the residence that was searched and DNA tested), while other reports suggest she was last seen on video with 'friends' at a local store. If she was seen at a store with others, then we would expect LE has interviewed the person(s) with her that day.

It's been about 18 months since Cristi disappeared, so hopefully DNA testing will still be valid after that length of time.

I still wonder why Cristi asked her aunt to drive her to that residence on CR 777, and who she may have known there. Logic indicates Cristi must have had a reason to go to that residence, but so far we don't know the answer to that.

 

[starlightstarbright]

Curious, does anyone know what the flag is on the front of the house? It’s not a US or a Texas state flag, doesn’t look like a confederate flag, but does look like a flag I recognise that I personally wouldn’t want flying in front of my house.

And can anyone provide any info on Cristi’s past charges other than the most recent ones? I can see there are links but they are blocked for me.

 

[Dargon335]

If I’m seeing the correct image, the flag in the photo looks very similar to the Texas state flag, with the exception of the color being slightly different (purple in place of red). Possibly the purple color has a different significance. MOO.

 

[PommyMommy]

Do we know for certain where Cristi was last seen? Some MSM reports indicate she was last seen at a residence in the 1800 block of CR 777 (presumably the residence that was searched and DNA tested), while other reports suggest she was last seen on video with 'friends' at a local store. If she was seen at a store with others, then we would expect LE has interviewed the person(s) with her that day.

It's been about 18 months since Cristi disappeared, so hopefully DNA testing will still be valid after that length of time.

I still wonder why Cristi asked her aunt to drive her to that residence on CR 777, and who she may have known there. Logic indicates Cristi must have had a reason to go to that residence, but so far we don't know the answer to that.

The reporting has been somewhat confusing, but my understanding is that she was dropped off on CR 777 twice. Once by her aunt and again by person(s) unknown. Her last verifiable sighting may have been the camera at Dollar General, even though witness statements place her on CR 777 on the 25th. MOO

JAN 12, 2023

‘Sweet soul’: Search continues for Jasper County woman missing 15 months​

[...]

They said Ruso’s aunt picked her up and brought her to her house the day she disappeared.

“Later that same day, on the 21st, took her and dropped her off at a location on County Road 777,” Wagner said.

Wagner said Ruso got a ride to the Silsbee area, “and was seen on camera on the 23rd at the Dollar General in Evadale.”

Ruso then got a ride back to Buna.

“Two witnesses place her at the same location on County Road 777 on the 25th. She was dropped off about 200 feet from the residence that she was originally dropped off at, but that person claims that they never saw her,” Wagner said.

[...]

 

[Ihavenofearonlylove]

Why did they only search one pond - from Google Earth, even with years-old imagery in some locations, there was more than one pond down the road of "pond" interest and search.

If the ponds in the imagery on Earth still hold water, couldn't they potentially have discarded her in a neighbor's pond, to disassociate the properties? (Or anywhere else, only God knows.)

I understand required warrants/legal/evidence, etc., though I wouldn't be opposed to believe that the only pond to have been of interest.

One particularly is the grave yard at the end of the road on which the searched house was.
Really hope they trace back to that soon, as that's a really convenient spot as well. Don't necessarily find that comforting in the idea that it's right down the road. A short drive.

There are so many rabbit holes this could have honestly taken, that the most I could think of (besides on foot detecting day-in-day-out to no end) is to check any other social media outlets - sometimes people may still have their phone, or get a new one, and log back into their accounts (if they remember or reset them), though this is not likely I would think in 90% cases...

Between Buna, Evadale, and Silsbee, that one motel is kind of the only place off the highway (conveniently) - and I'd be curious if any history places her with anyone from this area. Everyone tends to run into each other from these three areas, and yes, Beaumont is only about forty minutes away on a good drive. A little more on a bad.

Condolences to her family and loved ones, and her children, I never met her - or ever heard of her until she went missing, and I grew up/live around the areas of interest ongoing 25 years.

There was little to no "drug culture" when I was growing up, nor did I ever remember a run in with "pedo"-type-feel-y people, not in any form or fashion I am able to recall.

I just hope that for the sake of Buna's residents, and most importantly her family, they will have peace soon, and God so rightly judge those who have caused this.
May her soul be with Jesus and she not be suffering.
You all be safe and blessed be you.

 

[Dargon335]

Bumping for Cristi.

 

[Dargon335]

This is the most recent report (March, 2023) I've seen regarding Cristi's MP case.

Investigators trying to match DNA in Cristi Ruso case as new leads come in

[...]
Cristi Ruso, a Buna resident, disappeared in October of 2021 and two months later a bag containing her clothing was found on County Road 777. After that, there were no new developments until last month when search warrants were executed.

Two searches have been conducted at a location in the 1800 block of County Road 777, just south of Buna, and investigators on the county, state, and federal level were seen removing potential evidence from a house. On Monday, Sheriff Newman said that several sheets of plywood from the floor, wall, and ceiling of the house were removed and swabbed for DNA evidence, trying to find a match to Cristi Ruso.

Newman says the swabs and other evidence has been taken by the Texas Rangers to the DPS Crime Lab in Houston and now they’re waiting for results.
[...]

Does anyone know if the DNA results taken in March, 2023 were released to the public?

 

[TwinkieDefense]

Jan 4, 2024 update - oh my. Here we go again. Sympathies extended to Cristi’s family and friends. May justice be swift upon proof of guilt.

29-year-old Buna man arrested in connection to murder of Cristi Ruso

Officials say evidence shows that Colby Tatom, 29, murdered Cristi Ruso and disposed of her body. Tatom is charged with murder and being held on a $1 million bond.

www.12newsnow.com

[…]

Officials say evidence shows that Colby Tatom, 29, murdered Cristi Ruso and disposed of her body. Tatom is charged with murder and being held on a $1 million bond.

[…]

 

[Dargon335]

Thank you @TwinkieDefense for sharing this update. Most unfortunate outcome, but not unexpected.

Sympathies extended to Cristi’s family and friends. May justice be swift upon proof of guilt.

Agreed. Condolences to all of Cristi's family and friends.

If convicted of Cristi's murder I'm hoping that CT spends the rest of his life in prison.

 

[PommyMommy]

Heartfelt condolences to Cristi's family and loved ones. May justice be swift and harsh.

JAN 4, 2024

BREAKING: Suspect arrested in murder of Cristi Ruso

The Jasper County Sheriff's Office says a suspect is in custody and charged with the murder of Cristi Ruso, a Buna woman reported missing two years ago and who

kfdm.com

[...]

A grand jury in Jasper County indicted Tatom in December for murder, following a two year investigation by the Jasper County Sheriff's Office. District Attorney Anne Pickle presented the missing person's case to the grand jury on December 21, and after hearing evidence from Capt. Jason McClelland, the panel handed up an indictment for murder.

A warrant was issued for the arrest of Tatom, and Thursday night, he was located at the Walmart in Lumberton and taken into custody by the Lumberton Police Department. A judge set bond at $1 million.

[...]

"This investigation has been lengthy, but at no point did the case ever become cold," said Deputy Karli Cherry, the Jasper County S.O. Public Information Officer. "Evidence shows that Tatom is solely responsible for the death of Cristi Ruso. Ruso’s movements on October 21, 2021 were verified up until she returned to Tatom’s residence on County Road 777 in Buna. From there, evidence shows that Tatom murdered Ruso and disposed of her body."

[...]

 

[Silverlabs]

Was just coming to post this. Not a happy update by any means but much needed justice for Cristi

 

[PommyMommy]

This article has video of Colby in handcuffs and shackles as he is led into the Jasper County Jail this morning after spending last night in the Hardin County Jail. He looks very different than he does on his Facebook page, he's now bald with no beard.

There are also 18 photos at the link.

JAN 4, 2024

Home

KBTV Fox SETX provides local news, weather coverage and traffic reports for the Beaumont, Port Arthur, Texas area and surrounding communities including Orange, Vidor, Lumberton, Kountze, Silsbee, Woodville, Newton, Jasper, Nederland, Port Neches, Groves, Colmesneil, Bridge City, Orangefield...

fox4beaumont.com

Colby's Facebook: Colby Tatom | Facebook

 

[PommyMommy]

JAN 4, 2023

Arrest made in the disappearance and death of Christi Ruso

Deputies with the Jasper County Sheriff's Department have arrested a suspect in connection with the disappearance and death of Cristi Ruso, a Buna woman who has not been seen or

www.kjas.com

[...]

The indictment said officers believed that Ruso died from a gunshot wound.

 

[PommyMommy]

JAN 8, 2024
Man charged in Cristi Ruso's disappearance case in East Texas (beaumontenterprise.com)
Ruso's body has not been discovered, according to Jasper County Sheriff's spokesperson Karli Cherry. However, evidence shows Tatom is solely responsible for the death of Ruso, according to the release. Evidence shows that Tatom murdered Ruso and disposed of her body after she returned to his residence on CR 777 in Buna, the release said.

Cherry declined to give any additional information in the case.

Tatom is being held on a $1 million bond.

Buna man shot Cristi Ruso to death, indictment says

Colby Tatom's indictment states he shot Cristi Ruso to death. At this time, 12News hasn't received confirmation that her body was ever recovered.

www.12newsnow.com

On Dec. 21, 2023, Ruso's case was presented to Jasper County District Attorney Anne Pickle, according to a news release from the Jasper County Sheriff's Office.

After hearing evidence from Captain Jason McClelland, the grand jury indicted Tatom with murder and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

"The evidence that was presented as well as other things that were presented to the grand jury that we can't speak on at this time, as for the preservations of this case and the investigation," said Jasper County Chief Deputy Scott Duncan.

 

[PommyMommy]

Searching for Cristi Ruso: Missing since October 2021​

Jan 8, 2024

 

[Dargon335]

A previous arrest for CT:

Colby Hunter Tatom

 

[PommyMommy]

JAN 26, 2024

Crime Stoppers of Southeast Texas tips help bring closure to families of victims

"They did what needed to happen. They received the tip, they started investigating more and they were able to get that murder warrant in December,"

www.12newsnow.com

In Jasper County, Cristi Ruso was last seen in October of 2021, however, it was a 2022 Crime Stoppers tip that provided a guiding light for investigators.

"They did what needed to happen. They received the tip, they started investigating more and they were able to get that murder warrant in December," said Administrator And Campus Coordinator Jeremy Raley.
FEB 23, 2024

Crime Stoppers of Southeast Texas plays vital role in helping solve crime

Crime Stoppers of Southeast Texas is a vital tool used to connect law enforcement with the public to aid in solving crime.You can call the Crime Stoppers hotlin

kfdm.com

In January of this year alone, Raley said they had a record month. Over 140 tips were submitted. 17 of those were helpful, totaling over $10,000 in rewards.

The organization has helped solve simple cases like burglaries and firearm offenses, but it has also helped solve some of Southeast Texas' high profile murders.

“I mean, we just had the Cristi Ruso case out of Jasper County,” Raley said. “We just got into Jasper County in June or July of last year, and even though we were in Orange, Jefferson and Hardin County before that, I want to make it very clear, I do not turn a tip away."

 

[Dargon335]

SPECIAL REPORT: Three years later Cristi Ruso's family waits for answers, justice

The journey for justice still continues for the family of Cristi Ruso.“It’s something, you know, you never think it’s gonna happen to your family and it does,”

kfdm.com

[...]
According to the indictment, investigators believe Ruso died from a gunshot wound and Tatom disposed of her body.

Now, the case is working through pre-trial motions before Tatom’s formal murder trial begins.
[...]

 

[TwinkieDefense]

April 1, 2025 update - indicates sentenced to 20 years (body not found)

https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/article/colby-tatom-guilty-cristi-ruso-murder-20252992.php

​

 

[TwinkieDefense]

April 3/4, 2025 update

BREAKING: Ex-girlfriend of Tatom arrested for tampering, pawning gun used in Ruso killing

Jasper County Sheriff Chuck Havard tells KFDM/Fox 4 News he's arrested the ex-girlfriend of Colby Tatom on a charge of Tampering with Evidence, accused of pawni

kfdm.com

[…]

Jasper County Sheriff Chuck Havard tells KFDM/Fox 4 News he's arrested the ex-girlfriend of Colby Tatom on a charge of Tampering with Evidence, accused of pawning the gun Tatom used to shoot Ruso and knowing it was the weapon used in the killing.

[…]