The Kyle Police Department wants to keep the spirit of Samantha Dean alive. This after news broke that a former Austin Police Department officer, turned murder suspect, was arrested on capital murder charges. Our John Salazar brings us details from Dean's former employer.
Honored posthumously by her employers, Dean worked for the City of Kyle.
"She was recognized as an honorary police officer. We have dedicated our patrol room to her memory. As well as her office space," said Kyle Police Chief Jeff Barnett.
Barnett remembers Dean as a victims' services coordinator, dedicated to public service.
"She was a great asset to our department, to our community and to the victims that she served," said Barnett. "Samantha was going to be an outstanding mother."
The 29-year-old woman was 7 months pregnant when she killed.
Police said DNA evidence shows capital murder suspect VonTrey Clark fathered the unborn child.
MORE | 2 Now Charged in Samantha Dean Murder Case
Kevin Watson, of Houston, also is charged with the same double murder.
"It's a shame they had to take her life. And we have lost someone very special to us," said Barnett.
From San Antonio, the Dean family has chosen not to speak publicly about the tragedy of their daughter.
But Barnett insists, the Deans will get justice.
"We have always believed from day one, the promises that were made to us from the local law enforcement agencies, that they would never forget the investigation," said Barnett.
With Clark now in custody, investigators will work quicker to see that promise through.
At the time of the February murder, Samantha Dean lived in Austin.
She also volunteered at the Austin Police Department.