HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A recent court appearance for a cold case suspect has brought to light the disturbing details of a murder from 17 years ago. Anthony Lankford, 64, was arrested this week in connection with the killing of Bethel Ann Rawls, whose body was discovered in her apartment on Bissonnet Street in November 2007.
During the probable cause court session, prosecutors detailed the horrific nature of Rawls’ death, alleging that Lankford brutally beat, strangled, and stabbed her, including in her private areas. The magistrate, visibly disturbed by the graphic account, interrupted to acknowledge the severity of the crime.
Lankford, who was a co-worker of Rawls at Memorial Hermann, was the last person she spoke with according to phone records. Additionally, DNA evidence found under Rawls’ fingernails matched Lankford’s DNA.
At the time of the murder, several persons of interest were investigated but later cleared through DNA evidence. The case was reexamined about six months ago, leading investigators to Lankford, whose DNA profile ultimately matched evidence from the crime scene.
Lankford is scheduled to appear in the 180th District Court on Friday.
Rawls’ sisters, Janice Delry and Melba Robertson, fondly referred to her as “Burt.” Delry expressed relief that justice might be served after all these years. She recounted a feeling of dread when she couldn’t reach her sister, leading her to call Robertson. Later that day, their sister Linda found Rawls deceased.
Lankford was initially questioned but was not considered a suspect at the time. Delry and Robertson admitted that Lankford was not on their radar back then.
As Rawls’ family seeks closure, Lankford’s daughter, Chewonda Kimbrough, has spoken out. She expressed shock and disbelief over her father’s alleged actions, describing him as violent, narcissistic, and abusive. Kimbrough attended court to support the ongoing investigation and offered an apology to Rawls’ family, expressing hope that this brings them some measure of closure. She could not provide a motive for the crime.
