In a tragic turn of events, the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the worst fears of a local family during a press conference held on Monday, July 15, 2024. Human remains discovered in a ditch in north Liberty County in March have been positively identified as those of 57-year-old Sheryl Siddall, who disappeared from her Horseshoe Lake Estates home in September 2023.
Capt. David Meyers, spokesperson for the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO), provided an account of the investigation and the collaborative efforts that led to this discovery. Meyers was joined by LCSO detectives and Sheriff Bobby Rader.
“On September 18 of 2023, the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office received a call regarding a missing person in the Horseshoe Lake Estates area,” Meyers stated. “Deputies went out, contacted CID, the investigators go out and several searches were to follow that day based on all the evidence that was collected that day.”
Numerous agencies assisted in the exhaustive search for Siddall, including the Texas Rangers, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Texas EquuSearch, Texas Search and Rescue, Baytown Police Department, Harris County Sheriff’s Office dive team, and the Liberty County District Attorney’s Office.
During the initial investigation, Donald Lee Hassler, a convicted felon who was present at Siddall’s home on the day of her disappearance, was taken into custody on an unrelated charge of Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Hassler remains in the Liberty County jail, now facing a murder charge.
The crucial breakthrough came on March 22, 2024, when the Sheriff’s Office received a call about a body found lying in a ditch along CR 2132. Her body was discovered by passing motorists who were attempting to capture two stray dogs near the roadway. As they were doing so, they spotted the remains on the south side of the roadway, in close vicinity to a culvert beneath the road. After calling 911 to report their findings, the passersby waited on the scene to cooperate with the investigation.
The remains were sent to the Jefferson County Medical Examiner’s Office, where DNA testing confirmed the identity as Sheryl Siddall. Investigator Linda Worley led the investigation, supported by the dedicated efforts of 13 LCSO investigators.
When asked for a cause of death for Siddall, Meyers said he could not say as it is part of an ongoing case against Hassler. He also referred questions about additional charges to the DA’s office.
Speaking on behalf of Siddall’s family, her niece Amanda Turner expressed profound gratitude to all involved in the search and investigation. “Our family would like to take the time to express our gratitude to every person that has worked on our case,” Turner said. “From the first deputy dispatched to the house, Deputy [Joel] Davila, to the lab that gave us this answer, and every person in between.”
Turner extended thanks to the numerous agencies and individuals who contributed, highlighting the role of Texas EquuSearch, the Baytown Police Department dive team, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office dive team, and the Texas Rangers. She also acknowledged the unwavering support from the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, especially recognizing Captain Meyers and Investigator Worley.
Turner shared heartfelt memories of her aunt.
“Sheryl was 57 years old, a mom to Devin and Delana. She was a grandma, a sister, an aunt, and a friend,” Turner reminisced. “She had so much love for her family and friends, but if we’re being honest, on most days she probably liked her dog Pup more than anyone.”
Described as a “firecracker” who was fun, loud, and full of life, Siddall loved fishing, being on the water, and spending time with her family. Her home was a place of love and laughter, and her family cherishes those memories deeply.
While the confirmation of Siddall’s death brings a painful conclusion to months of uncertainty, her family finds solace in the closure it provides.
“Losing someone in this capacity is not something you’re able to prepare for, so as we lean on each other through the painful loss of someone we love and miss tremendously, we look ahead with confidence that the valiant efforts on behalf of everyone involved will bring justice to Aunt Sheryl,” Turner said.
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