TX - Terri 'Missy' Bevers, 45, killed in church/suspect in SWAT gear, Midlothian, 18 Apr 2016 #47

[x_files]

I honestly think there's a particular reason this case hasn't been solved yet. I think its bigger...

imo jmo

I agree, but I think the killer is good friends with local cops/Sheriff.

 

[JnRyan]

bbm

LARPing, Live Action Role Play imho.

The way the costumed person quasi-searches the building looks like 'walking' through a video game scene.

Young Laughing watched the videos when this whole thing started & suggested this.

How one locates LARPers, I do not know, but expect LE could.

jmho ymmv lrr

LARP? I've never heard of it. From early the scenario I believed was most likely was a young - later teens/early 20's - person vandalizing the church or just doing it to be doing it. Now this comes up. Of course, when I look up LARP I see most of the groups involve medieval role playing as opposed to more modern scenarios. That doesn't mean it couldn't have happened though. Interesting thought.

 

[JosieMae]

I'm on team Targeted. Primarily because it was well before sun rise during a torrential downpour.

Gender - not sure. Motive - unclear. Premeditated- oh yeah.

MOO.

 

[Cryptic]

LARPing, Live Action Role Play imho.

The way the costumed person quasi-searches the building looks like 'walking' through a video game scene.

How one locates LARPers, I do not know, but expect LE could.

Good insight.

Live Action Role Play could be another source of the perpetrator in an untargeted crime committed by a SWAT/ hitman / movie crime fantasizer possibility.

In regards to LARPING....

My very general knowledge is participants are organized by themes or "milieus" that match the individual participant's interests. More established themes have formal groups and related activities that can be readily found on the internet.

For example, The Society for Creative Anachronism. The group's theme is a mix of historical medieval and Lord of the Rings type fantasy. Not surprisingly, SCA groups have a presence at Rennasiance Faires. The paper here ran a story about SCA types openly Larping at a city park and being very approachable.

Perhaps more troubling, a frustrated neighbor once complained to me that her unemployed (able?) adult son had quit smoking dope (good). But.... then nosed dived into a Larp group or "world" mixing science fiction with a certain amount of bondage / submission themes (not so good).

She described her son not only Larping with the like minded on weekends, but also attending conventions. Conventions support a reachable internet presence to get the word out. But... would a possible SWAT / Crime Larp groups be "dark net"?

 

[SouthernSummer]

I recently binged the new season of CSI Vegas and I know that most of the stuff on their is just Hollywood but the CI was using special software that analyzed the suspect’s gait and was able to compare it to others. This of course made me think of Missy’s case immediately and wondered if there is actually any tools out there that are remotely similar or if that was all straight up Hollywood and impossible in the real world.

my apologies if this has been discussed.

 

[evilwise]

Good insight.

Live Action Role Play could be another source of the perpetrator in an untargeted crime committed by a SWAT/ hitman / movie crime fantasizer possibility.

In regards to LARPING....

My very general knowledge is participants are organized by themes or "milieus" that match the individual participant's interests. More established themes have formal groups and related activities that can be readily found on the internet.

For example, The Society for Creative Anachronism. The group's theme is a mix of historical medieval and Lord of the Rings type fantasy. Not surprisingly, SCA groups have a presence at Rennasiance Faires. The paper here ran a story about SCA types openly Larping at a city park and being very approachable.

Perhaps more troubling, a frustrated neighbor once complained to me that her unemployed (able?) adult son had quit smoking dope (good). But.... then nosed dived into a Larp group or "world" mixing science fiction with a certain amount of bondage / submission themes (not so good).

She described her son not only Larping with the like minded on weekends, but also attending conventions. Conventions support a reachable internet presence to get the word out. But... would a possible SWAT / Crime Larp groups be "dark net"?

LARP is always social, played in groups and you'll be misdirecting your effort if you try to learn about it in connection with the circumstances of this case.

No, if this was someone engaging in some sort of real world role playing (as opposed to someone simply delusional) what they would have been playing would be an Alternate Reality Game. You can learn more about them on Wikipedia

Alternate reality game - Wikipedia

 

[Cryptic]

LARP is always social, played in groups and you'll be misdirecting your effort if you try to learn about it in connection with the circumstances of this case.

No, if this was someone engaging in some sort of real world role playing (as opposed to someone simply delusional) what they would have been playing would be an Alternate Reality Game. You can learn more about them on Wikipedia

Thanks for the information about the Alternative Reality Games, I had never heard about them before.

Are ARGs computer based- sort of like Grand Theft Auto? If so, attempting to identify potentially dangerous participants in the local area could be near impossible. I imagine a person can run multiple characters and truly bad vibes are easier to conceal behind a computer screen.

One possible detractor could be that if ARGs are computer based, they could be less appealing to an older perpetrator lacking computer skills and gear. Then again, I could be placing my self too much in the scenario.

 

[JnRyan]

LARP is always social, played in groups and you'll be misdirecting your effort if you try to learn about it in connection with the circumstances of this case.

No, if this was someone engaging in some sort of real world role playing (as opposed to someone simply delusional) what they would have been playing would be an Alternate Reality Game. You can learn more about them on Wikipedia

Alternate reality game - Wikipedia

LARP's. ARG's. All new to me. And worth considering.

 

[Laughing]

Thanks for the information about the Alternative Reality Games, I had never heard about them before.

Are ARGs computer based- sort of like Grand Theft Auto? If so, attempting to identify potentially dangerous participants in the local area could be near impossible. I imagine a person can run multiple characters and truly bad vibes are easier to conceal behind a computer screen.

One possible detractor could be that if ARGs are computer based, they could be less appealing to an older perpetrator lacking computer skills and gear. Then again, I could be placing my self too much in the scenario.

Oh, heck, please don't rule out older players!

Way, way back at a rather early gaming parlor, the owner was impressed that I reached Oregon via The Oregon Trail. Cassette tape format, folks, 1976. First one to finish in that gaming parlor, I say will all due modesty.

The Oregon Trail (series) - Wikipedia

Now Mr. Laughing was a big fan of Zork, and of yes of Leisure Suit Larry:

Leisure Suit Larry in the Land of the Lounge Lizards - Wikipedia

Entirely different style of game. Very little shooting -- but lots of opening doors, cabinets, mailboxes, under rugs; picking things up, looking at them, storing them, using them later.

Sorta like Missy's murderer does in the church....

 

[evilwise]

Thanks for the information about the Alternative Reality Games, I had never heard about them before.

Are ARGs computer based- sort of like Grand Theft Auto? If so, attempting to identify potentially dangerous participants in the local area could be near impossible. I imagine a person can run multiple characters and truly bad vibes are easier to conceal behind a computer screen.

One possible detractor could be that if ARGs are computer based, they could be less appealing to an older perpetrator lacking computer skills and gear. Then again, I could be placing my self too much in the scenario.

No, Alternative Reality Games are reality based. They generally use computers and the internet but only to disseminate ideas using software no more demanding than this forum so as to be accessible to the widest possible audience. Like, I just took a look at argn.com, the biggest site on the topic and I see that there appears to be one associated with the upcoming Batman movie. There was a cypher hidden in the announce trailer and the cardboard standees in theaters have them too, gradually revealing... something. This kind of secret game is quite compelling to some types of people and has come to be a proven marketing method worth the very small cost.

A current "ARG" I'm reading that might be more illustrative is something in Sweden called "10 Tapes". Some guy supposedly just moved to Stockholm and started a new TikTok about it but he "found" a note with geographic coordinates and a mysterious message. Of course he documented this experience on his TikTok, going to the coordinates and finding a VHS tape with something paranormal on it. He gradually "discovered" that there were ten of these tapes distributed around the city and his "search" for them also served as a tour of esoteric locations. Other locals became involved, either keeping in character or actually buying into the narrative and his social media grew on this.

There is nothing whatsoever to suggest that this person dressed in a SWAT costume wandering through a church in the middle of a stormy night was playing some kind of a character but it's possible - and it's the sort of thing a person might do and realize that they went too far, never to repeat or talk about again.

Speculating about this kind of thing can create panics though like the Russia originated "Blue Whale Challenge" panic in 2016 that sort of mellowed into parents thinking their kids were eating Tide Pods.

 

[Cryptic]

Some guy supposedly just moved to Stockholm and started a new TikTok about it but he "found" a note with geographic coordinates and a mysterious message

He gradually "discovered" that there were ten of these tapes distributed around the city and his "search" for them also served as a tour of esoteric locations.

Other locals became involved, either keeping in character or actually buying into the narrative and his social media grew on this.

I seen now, thanks for the clear explanation. Its sort of like an unfolding story plot / small scale movie.

Some participants are "set crew". Others, however, might be "independents" who either buy into the story line, or simply enjoy participating and perhaps being allowed to upload material. Others could be unaware that they are in the game. Perhaps residents being asked about strange goings on etc.

There is nothing whatsoever to suggest that this person dressed in a SWAT costume wandering through a church in the middle of a stormy night was playing some kind of a character but it's possible - and it's the sort of thing a person might do and realize that they went too far, never to repeat or talk about again.

I agree with your assessment- no evidence of a game- but nothing that would preclude it. Some aspects of the Swat get up do seem hasty or even slightly cartoonish (idly walking around, breaking things- perhaps bored with the "investigation"?).

I could see an independent or set crew participant grabbing what is available at the Army Surplus store- then heading out to "discover", "investigate" etc. Once Missy arrives, the plot escalates with an impulsive attack to further the story line?

Though, as you stated, such a motive is not likely, it maybe worth seeing if any any ARGs featured the area in plots. Likewise, was any AVG suddenly discontinued- perhaps due to the plot going off rails?

 

[Wokesleuth]

Yeah IMO not very likely in the LARP scenario that could put the PERP there at the exact right time and leave at the right time to not get caught.
The PERP was absolutely role playing, but most likely for the reason of concealment of identity to evade justice, successfully so up to this point.
I hope we see a break in this case soon, MB deserves Justice.

 

[Curious_in_NC]

I agree with your assessment- no evidence of a game- but nothing that would preclude it. Some aspects of the Swat get up do seem hasty or even slightly cartoonish (idly walking around, breaking things- perhaps bored with the "investigation"?).

rsbm
This has been an intriguing suggestion. Somehow the nonchalant swagger and manner of Swat person seems almost game-like. Cartoonish is a great description. If this was indeed connected to an ARG, it seems to me that, if it required breaking into a church, the details of it would be buried in a private chat room so deep that none of us would ever likely find it. Or maybe someone grossly misinterpreted the clues from a more mainstream ARG?

 

[Cryptic]

rsbm
If this was indeed connected to an ARG, it seems to me that, if it required breaking into a church, the details of it would be buried in a private chat room so deep that none of us would ever likely find it.

Or maybe someone grossly misinterpreted the clues from a more mainstream ARG?

I am thinking that the first option: Possible game required breaking into church is less likely.

Rather, another game player or game follower would likely have called a tip by now. It just seems unlikely that the computer connected players would have super tight bonds with each other that an entire group would remain silent after witnessing a game driven murder.

The second option seems more likely, especially if the new gamer so grossly misinterpreted the clues that any other gamers watching could not realize that the perpetrator was following / playing the game.

 

[evilwise]

I am thinking that the first option: Possible game required breaking into church is less likely.

Rather, another game player or game follower would likely have called a tip by now. It just seems unlikely that the computer connected players would have super tight bonds with each other that an entire group would remain silent after witnessing a game driven murder.

The second option seems more likely, especially if the new gamer so grossly misinterpreted the clues that any other gamers watching could not realize that the perpetrator was following / playing the game.

Yes, I thought the same thing. Even if the person realized they had made a huge mistake and never recorded that they had done anything it seems like the other players might have still recognized that it could have been related to their game.

On the other hand I don't really recall this story making national news so they may have never even been aware of it and now five years later might not even make the connection if they were to hear about it now.

 

[evilwise]

I inspired myself to dig back through the archives on the alternate reality games and discovered that a game caked The Black Watchmen was at the peak of its popularity at the exact time of the crime

The Black Watchmen

In the first ever Permanent Alternate Reality Game, you join the ranks of The Black Watchmen, a paramilitary group dedicated to protecting the public from dangerous phenomena beyond human understanding: ritualistic murder, occult secret societies, and the paranormal, to name but a few.
​

Take a look at this video covering some players doing a "live event" in Montreal

Posted on June 17, 2016 the event probably took place very near the same time Missy was killed and this video is still the top pinned post on the game's Twitter.

 

[Curious_in_NC]

OK, here's another idea related to the "grossly misinterpreted game" hypothesis. Geocaching is sort of like an ARG with elements of treasure hunts. I think it peaked in popularity ten or more years ago, back before everyone's smartphones basically became GPS devices. But it seems to still have been of interest to people in 2016. I found one intriguing archived geocache challenge with connections to Midlothian.
GC4Y10F In memory of Chris Kyle "The Devil of Ramadi" (Unknown Cache) in Luxembourg created by Ironjang666

Chris Kyle wrote American Sniper, which came out as the movie shortly after his murder in 2013. He lived in Midlothian at the time. In early 2016, the highway that the Creekside Church and SWFA are on (287) was designated in his name (source - wikipedia). This geocache challenge is archived now but had a riddle to solve. Could someone have badly solved it and gone to the church? Did Kyle maybe even attend this church? I can't find info about that. It's also hard to explain what the SWAT disguise might have to do with all this, other than maybe its appeal to lone paramilitary types. I haven't read the book or seen the movie, either. Maybe there's some more relevant links found there.

ETA - I see Luxembourg came up in the web page title. Now that it's archived, I can't explain that either.

 

[Cryptic]

Yes, I thought the same thing. Even if the person realized they had made a huge mistake and never recorded that they had done anything it seems like the other players might have still recognized that it could have been related to their game.

On the other hand I don't really recall this story making national news so they may have never even been aware of it and now five years later might not even make the connection if they were to hear about it now.

If the game is structured where the participants do not have to be local, I can also see the murder constituting a "game" that nobody recognizes. Say.....

Game is centered on a far way locale, but accepts spontaneous participation and perhaps content from anywhere if the organizers find it interesting.

Gamer on the far fringes of the game enters the church pursuant to the plot. Perhaps they hope to upload content, perhaps they are simply acting a part for thrills. The thrill then escalates to impulsive murder when Missy arrives.

The crime receives some news in Texas, but little news nationally. The main gaming body is based in a "City far, far away". Other spontaneous participants are equally far flung. Not given to avidly watching the news, nobody hears about a murder in Texas that somewhat resembles the ARG they are playing.

 

[neesaki]

I didn’t realize this thread had ever been opened back up? I guess I’m really far behind, lol.
As many have commented, I also can’t believe this case hasn’t been solved.

 

[Curious_in_NC]

A bit more about Chris Kyle. He and Missy both were fitness trainers so it wouldn't be surprising if they knew each other or had some other professional link(s). I searched the thread archives and there really hasn't been any discussion of Kyle apart from this description of a local comparing the community responses shortly after each homicide. I don't have a theory on what relevance this might have apart from the ARG/geocache gone wrong hypothesis.
TX - Terri 'Missy' Bevers,45, murdered in church/person in SWAT gear,18 Apr 2016 #16