FORT WORTH - After nine years, the Fort Worth Police Department is offering the family of a murder victim hope.
That fresh hope comes from new DNA technology that Fort Worth police hope will help solve the mystery of who killed Brett Curlee.
Nothing about Curlee's life seemed to mark him for violence, according to his loved ones. He wasn't involved in criminal activity and he was excited about a new career as a real estate agent. But, in March of 2001, Curlee was killed.
Family members said when they needed Curlee, he was there, including coming to his niece's aid when she went into labor.
"So, he's driving to the hospital really, really fast, every couple of seconds looking back to make sure I'm not having the baby in his car," said Renee Trudgett, Curlee's niece.
He also whipped up Sunday dinners for his parents, sister, nieces and nephew.
"He loved having people over and cooking for everybody," said Andrea Maahfuz, Curlee's sister. "He was known for his good cooking."
It was at one of those Sunday dinners that Maahfuz saw him for the last time.
"There's not a day that goes by that I don't think of him," she said.
Two days later, Maahfuz went to his house after calling Curlee several times with no answer. A door was open and inside she found her brother shot in the head.
"I put my hand on him and was saying his name," she said. "But, as soon as I touched him, I knew he was dead."
Inexpensive items were missing from the house, which Fort Worth police found that unusual since other expensive items were left untouched.
Police said they believe the killer may have been someone Curlee knew. But, while friends and family were questioned, no one was ever arrested.
"I just remember looking at everyone the entire way here thinking, that could be the one person who killed him," Trudgett said. "It was like a feeling around me like right now everyone is guilty because you just don't know."
Nine years passed without a development, but now the case detective informed WFAA that possible DNA evidence is being resubmitted for testing. Advances in technology may reveal what analysis nearly a decade ago could not.
"The scab is always raw," Maahfuz said. "You feel like your living, but your heart has been ripped out."
Anyone with any information on the case is asked to call Fort Worth Police Detective Michel Carroll. Those who want to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 817-469-TIPS or make a report at 469Tips.com.
E-mail: chawes@wfaa.com
