Mexican authorities captured a Utah couple on Wednesday, wanted in connection with the deaths of a New Hampshire couple found dead at a South Texas beach.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, the Kleberg County Sheriff’s Office in Texas released a security footage photo Monday morning, in connection with the deaths of 48-year-old James Butler and his wife, 46-year-old Michelle Butler.
Police found the bodies of both James and Michelle on October 27, buried in a shallow grave at Padre Island beach, between Mile Markers 263 and 264, in an area known as “the bowl.” James was reportedly found buried underneath his wife
According to Kleberg County Sheriff Richard Kirkpatrick, 33-year-old Curtis Williams was transferred to the Kleberg County jail after authorities captured him in Jalisco, Mexico. He’s been charged with felony theft in connection with the couple’s missing truck.
Authorities also detained Amanda Noverr in Mexico, who was wanted for questioning in connection to the Butler couple’s death. A child was with her. Kirkpatrick confirmed Noverr is the mother of the child. They’re both awaiting extradition back to the U.S.
“The child is with the mother and awaiting deportation,” Kirkpatrick said.
It’s unclear if authorities found the Butlers’ truck. Authorities said it’s part of an ongoing investigation and declined to expand.
“We have a lot to do in this case and as it goes on, perhaps have some answers in the future,” Kirkpatrick added.
#LIVE: Kleberg County authorities are holding a news conference to provide updates on their investigation into the murders of James and Michelle Butler.MORE: https://bit.ly/2X23R2V
Posted by KIII 3 News on Thursday, November 7, 2019
During a previous press conference, police identified Williams as the driver of the couple’s stolen truck. A female passenger in the truck was identified as Amanda Noverr. An active warrant was then taken out for Williams for felony theft.
The Butler couple’s 2018 Silver Chevrolet 2500 pickup truck, which was towing their white Cedar Creek RV, was spotted crossing the Mexico border on October 21. Security footage captured Williams in the driver’s seat and Noverr in the passenger seat.
Meanwhile, three cats that belonged to the Butler couple are missing. Family members are asking the public to be on the lookout for them. The cats were last seen at Padre Balli Park, shortly before the victims disappeared.
According to The New Hampshire Union-Leader, James and Michelle were living out their dreams of traveling across the country. They had been traveling since last Summer, taking on temporary odd jobs along the way.
The couple planned to travel to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, but stopped by Corpus Christi and decided to stay for a while.
James’ sister, Deborah Lynn van Loon, said that the couple found a free place to park their RV at Padre Island when tragedy struck. The pair had been there a little over two weeks when they suddenly stopped contacting their family.
This was unusual, according to van Loon, who said James and Michelle typically made contact with family daily, often telling them about their adventures.
James was retired after serving 21 years in the U.S. Navy. He shared the love of traveling with his wife.
“He said, ‘I’ve traveled the world with the Navy, but I’ve never seen my own country,’” van Loon said.
Williams’ bond is set at $1 million. Kirkpatrick confirmed that Noverr’s bond would be “echoed” by Williams’ bond, but it’s unclear what she’s been charged with. Police previously said Noverr was wanted for questioning only.
The story continues to develop. Check back for further updates.
The story is developing. Check back with CrimeOnline as additional details become available.
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[Feature Photo: James and Michelle Butler/Handout]
