Renewed hope in finding justice in 13-year-old WilCo cold case

ROUND ROCK, Texas (FOX 7 Austin) - The murder happened in 2006, but for 33-year old Philise Estes' family, it's like it happened yesterday.

“Thirteen years is a long time,” said Sucolah Hall, her sister.

On the afternoon of January 30, authorities say Philise's Fiancee found her lifeless body inside their Round Rock home. For purposes of the investigation, they are not saying her cause of death, but they know for a fact, this was a murder.

Philise moved from Houston to Austin with her fiancee’, possessing dreams of furthering her career in law enforcement. “She was a deputy in Harris County so when she went to Austin, that's what she wanted to do, she wanted to be an officer. The Austin Police Department was her next biggest step, she was excited for that,” said Hall.

Despite her being the youngest, her four siblings often looked up to her.

“Instead of me being her role model, she was my role model,” said Hall.

With fresh pairs of eyes and new technology, the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office plans on finally bringing closure to her family. “There are things that need to be tested, other people who need to be interviewed,” said Sgt. John Pokorny, with the Cold Case Unit.

They have fourteen cold cases, but with their new initiative, Philise's case and the others might be solved sooner than later. “Over time they are cold but they are no longer cold, they are open. It's like it happened yesterday as fast as we are moving,” said Pokorny.

“They are showing they are committed to it. I believe them they stay in contact with us,” said Hall.

If you have information on the murder, call the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office at (512) 943-1300.