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Tatom
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Following an extensive two-year investigation, a suspect has been arrested in connection with the disappearance and homicide of a missing woman.
Hunter Colby Tatom, 29, of Buna, was arrested Jan. 4 in the disappearance and homicide of Cristi Ruso.
At 9 p.m., the Lumberton Police Department received a call stating Tatom was seen shopping at Walmart in Lumberton. According to Police Chief Danny Sullins, the caller described the suspect and what he was wearing, as well as a girl with whom he was shopping.
“My officers showed up, set up a perimeter, and Hardin County Sheriff’s Office deputies assisted. Sergeant (Blake) Rice went up to him and identified him from a recent booking photo and took him into custody,” said Sullins.
Tatom was booked into the Hardin County Jail and bond was set at $1 million by Pct. 6 Justice of the Peace Jackie Werner. The accused killer was later transported to the Jasper County Jail.
According to a Jasper County Sheriff’s Office press release by Public Relations Officer Karli Cherry, Ruso vanished on Oct. 21, 2021, from the 1800 block of County Road 777 in Buna, a day after being released from the Jasper County Jail.
Feb. 23, 2023, deputies and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents executed a search warrant at a residence on County Road 777. March 1, 2023, law enforcement obtained another warrant to search a nearby property based on findings from the initial search in February. DNA samples collected from that property were sent to a crime lab in Houston for analysis.
During the investigation, Tatom was apprehended on unrelated charges of driving with an invalid license, a child safety seat violation, theft and drug offenses.
Jasper County District Attorney Anne Pickle reviewed Ruso’s case on Dec. 21, 2023, following a presentation by Capt. Jason McClelland of the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office. The grand jury indicted Tatom on murder charges, leading to the issuance of an arrest warrant.
In the press release, Cherry emphasized the investigation, though protracted, “never went cold.” Authorities assert that evidence points to Tatom as responsible for Ruso’s death, indicating that he murdered her and disposed of her body after she returned to his residence on County Road 777 in Buna. According to Tatom’s indictment, he is accused of causing Ruso’s death by shooting her with a gun.
In the press release, Cherry commended McClelland for his unwavering dedication to the case and support for the family throughout the investigation, underscoring his commitment from the outset. Multiple agencies, including the Jasper County District Attorney’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety – Ranger Division, FBI Evidence Team, Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Lab, United States Marshals Office, Texas EquuSearch, Hardin County Sheriff’s Office, Lumberton Police Department and others collaborated in this comprehensive effort.
“This was truly a team effort. Our prayers are with the family of Cristi Ruso; we are hopeful that they can finally have some closure and that justice can be served,” Cherry stated in the press release.
Cherry clarified that Tatom is currently the sole suspect in the case. As of press time, Ruso’s remains had not been located.