Crime

Psychic Sends Police Scrambling After Falsely Claiming Mass Grave in TX

HARDIN, Texas (AP) — The investigation into a tip about multiple bodies being buried at a rural Texas farmhouse has now turned to the tipster after authorities turned up nothing in a search of the property.

Liberty County deputies, the Texas Rangers and FBI agents descended on the rural neighborhood Tuesday afternoon. With television helicopters circling overhead, dozens of news reporters waited for word of authorities had found.

But Liberty County Sheriff’s Capt. Rex Evans said there was no indication of bodies being anywhere on the property about 70 miles northeast of Houston.

Authorities said the tip came from a woman claiming to be a psychic. Evans said authorities took the tip seriously in part because the caller had details about the interior of the house that only someone who had seen it could have known.

Asked if authorities thought the tip was a hoax, Evans said only that they found no bodies or anything to indicate a homicide had occurred there.

“We are going to continue our investigation and find out how this individual had this information in the first place,” Evans said.

He said authorities were working to determine how the woman had such detailed information on the house. Evans said no decision would be made on charges until the caller could be questioned and the district attorney consulted.

The tipster claimed that many bodies, including those of children, were at the home, said Liberty County Judge Craig McNair, the county’s top elected official.

A quick search Monday night turned up nothing, authorities said. But the tipster called back Tuesday morning to say deputies had the wrong house, Evans said.

McNair said deputies found blood on a back door and detected a foul odor coming from the house, leading to the search warrant.

“We have to take tips like this very seriously,” McNair said.

Long-haul truck driver Joe Bankston, told The Houston Chronicle he had his family had lived at the house for three years and that he had no idea why the tipster would have reported that bodies were buried there. He also said his daughter’s former boyfriend had intentionally cut his own wrist a couple of weeks ago, which could have explained any blood at the home.

“I haven’t killed anybody,” said Bankston, 44, who was reached by the newspaper while on the road in Dallas. “And I have a lot of friends, but I haven’t helped anybody bury any bodies.”

Comments (49)

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  • CookieMonster
    Posted on June 8, 2011 at 12:34pm

    Typical media premature newsejaculation….

    Some news idiot decided to put 30 bodies in the headlines. Mt question is how do you arrive at 30 bodies when you have not even searched the property? I saw this one coming a mile away after reading what they had posted online.

    Report Post »  
  • Richard Compton
    Posted on June 8, 2011 at 11:37am

    It doesn’t get much more embarsing than this, the Fox news media interupting their broadcast with an “Alert-This Just IN 30 bodies discovered in a mass grave in Texas, reportedly of children” over what a physic said, common man are you kidding me.

    Report Post »  
    • Red1492
      Posted on June 8, 2011 at 12:01pm

      Agreed. All day every news channel made it seem as if the mass grave had been discovered and all the police were doing was waiting on a search warrant to go in and pull out the bodies. Bad journalism, bad news reporting and shame on Liberty County constables for wasting taxpayer dollars on an anonymous tip from a “psychic”. They could have sent 2 officers and a cadaver dog. Not an army.

      Report Post » Red1492  
  • Principlex
    Posted on June 8, 2011 at 11:23am

    The psychic needs to be sent a bill.

    Report Post »  
    • Da Kingfish
      Posted on June 9, 2011 at 3:27pm

      The brain dead police can use all the help they can get, it was probably Big Sis, had a wet dream, and was hoping they could find her girl friend, she ran-off again.

      Report Post » Da Kingfish  
  • Red1492
    Posted on June 8, 2011 at 10:14am

    This is located about 40 miles east of me. Lots of meth labs out in them thar woods. However my guess is this is some sort of nascar-hillbilly revenge on the daughter of the landowner due to the attempted suicide of her ex-boyfriend on her front porch. Apparently, she did not want to go “muddin” with him any longer and some relative took offense on his behalf or prompting. I will say I was distressed all day at the thought of a mass grave of 20-35 children or anyone for that matter and was glad for it to be a hoax. However, the nutcase that called this in needs to do serious jail time for wasting man power and the taxpayers dollars.

    Report Post » Red1492  
  • Mandors
    Posted on June 8, 2011 at 9:52am

    I see dead people.

    Report Post » Mandors  
  • leftcoastslut
    Posted on June 8, 2011 at 9:45am

    funny yesterday we were watching the crime scene before any crime had been committed, i say the crime was ochestrated by someone more powerful. why were the newsrooms told to follow a crime story before there was any crime? who ordered the the sherriffs to respond, the FBI? ATF? CIA? POTUS? SOROS? … gee all of those initials are federallly run and funded..and even soros (Stately Old Republicans, only Socialist).

    Report Post »  
  • Texas Grasshopper
    Posted on June 8, 2011 at 9:40am

    okay I wasnt going to say anything….but I suppose I just couldnt resist ….on folks place ALL thier trust in tyhe local law enforcement ..I had thought at first that the police had used actual investagative techniques . Stupid me ..they used a psychic ? Good Lord ….okay citizens put your Faith in your all powerfull local , state and federal police forces . oh yeah and the Dept of Education police force …now coming to a house near you ( refer to http://www.news10.net/news/article/141072/2/Dept-of-Education-breaks-down-Stockton-mans-door )

    just great

    Report Post »  
    • vennoye
      Posted on June 8, 2011 at 10:45am

      I read your link information and was amazed!! Yes, the Texas police acted on a tip from a loony tune, but just imagine, in this era of big brother’s 24/7 news cycle how much grief they would get if something was out there and they did not even look into it. The story in California was unbelievable to me..who all have been given POLICE POWER? Then, when you look at the comment section by the citizens out there…..they are nuttier than the people who broke down the door…..they are fine with what the police did. Student loans in the hands of Federal Govt is just a wonderful idea….not!

      Report Post » vennoye  
  • let us prey
    Posted on June 8, 2011 at 9:37am

    Should have used Gary Spivey, his hair alone would have been enough to haul him in for questioning.

    Report Post » let us prey  
  • nomercy63
    Posted on June 8, 2011 at 9:36am

    Can we send the bill for this to this clown? I have a reading ! I am zeroing in on it, I am getting closer!
    Now where did I put that ham sandwich? I saw it in my mind, damn!

    Report Post »  
  • lynnissmart
    Posted on June 8, 2011 at 9:05am

    I have a good idea….send the person who sparked this investigation the BILL!

    Report Post »  
  • EqualJustice
    Posted on June 8, 2011 at 9:04am

    How about taking seriously the TIPS that illegals are crossing our border instead. You can even get these tips WITHOUT a Psychic, since it’s REAL! PAY ATTENTION. Another rancher shot 100 miles from the border..wonder if a fast and furious WEAPON was involved?

    Report Post » EqualJustice  
  • leftcoastslut
    Posted on June 8, 2011 at 8:54am

    who made the CALL to GO, go, go and while every news station, helicopters, etc. was following this DREAM what was the other hand doing? who called the newsrooms and said go, go, go.

    WHO IS TRYING TO CONTROL WHERE YOU LOOK?

    Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on June 8, 2011 at 8:31am

    Hello White House? I’m a psychic. I see a future of inflation, stagnant economy, low dollar value, unbearable debt, social unrest and problems in the Mid East. The only thig that will change it is changing the resident in the Whte House. Get back to me when you can.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
  • lhills
    Posted on June 8, 2011 at 8:30am

    A Psychic made a false prediction? Shocking. These people are nothing but opportunists who use sensationalism to get attention and prey on people when they are emotionally vulnerable. There are no “good” psychics, none. If you think differently, you are just fooling yourself.

    Report Post » lhills  
  • The Bagginator
    Posted on June 8, 2011 at 8:29am

    The psychic’s response after being informed of no bodies found at the scene, “PSYCH, HA HA HA”!!!

    Report Post »  
  • TRONINTHEMORNING
    Posted on June 8, 2011 at 8:22am

    Why aren’t “pychics” nailing powerball, lotto, etc…?

    Report Post »  
  • Mark Tripp
    Posted on June 8, 2011 at 8:13am

    The people with “pie on their face” are those still STUPID enough to believe in so called psychics!

    To date, Z E R O psychics have EVER solved a crime for the police. Look up James Randi….

    Report Post » Mark Tripp  
  • Pastor Ray
    Posted on June 8, 2011 at 7:52am

    I remember the Rock and Bullwinkle Show on TV when I was a kid…Ennie Meenie Chilli Beenie the spirits are about to speak…Are they friendly spirits? Are they?!? Just listen!!! LOL!!!!

    Report Post » Pastor Ray  
    • ofallon
      Posted on June 8, 2011 at 9:15am

      Maybe the psychic is from “The Land of Muni-Mula”. That’s aluminum spelled backwards, Bullwinkle.

      Report Post »  
  • betterthantv
    Posted on June 8, 2011 at 7:47am

    I love it when stuff like this hoax happens. All you kids get all riled up and start making fun of The Blaze for using words like “allegedly” in the headline and then you start with your idiotic comments like “I hope they’re all illegals”. So kids, what do you have to say for yourselves today? How’s that pie on your face?

    I know there are good people on this site. But the majority of you make no sense!

    Report Post » betterthantv  
    • Bigliardi
      Posted on June 8, 2011 at 8:32am

      Ahhh your “gotcha” moment…..And yesterday, did you warn those “idiots” that they had better wait and see…?

      Report Post »  
    • EqualJustice
      Posted on June 8, 2011 at 9:05am

      Is that you ENICOM??? haha

      Report Post » EqualJustice  
    • CaptainKook
      Posted on June 8, 2011 at 9:07am

      “yesterday, did you warn those “idiots” that they had better wait and see…?”

      Why would that have been necessary? Wasn’t that the common sense reaction?

      I guess you also have a low opinion of Blazers.

      Report Post »  
    • Dustyluv
      Posted on June 8, 2011 at 9:09am

      Better…you got anything better to do while you are in Moms basement? Like play with yourself?

      Report Post »  
    • Untameable-kate
      Posted on June 8, 2011 at 11:37am

      The ones that were saying that they hoped they were all illegals and called them beaners and the like were all YOUR buddies. None of that was written by a conservative. Only liberals think like that and only liberals play dirty by trying to smear others by pretending to be us. Shove off, if you had any sense at all you would know that already.

      Report Post » Untameable-kate  
  • watchmany2k
    Posted on June 8, 2011 at 7:41am

    Welcome to the USSA Gulag states.
    Have a beef with someone ?
    Call 1-800-use-a-cop-4-revenge

    Don’t worry, nobody‘s life is clean enough that we can’t find SOMEthing to bust ‘em on.
    If we get there early enough, we’ll appear to be a house invasion and they will pick up their gun,
    we’ll off him and his whole family with our f-troop automatic spray.
    Killing a future criminal, and getting to practice marksmanship is a win-win.

    Remember if ya dream something, call and report it.
    Good for a laugh at least….

    This message brought to you by Big Sis and the keystoned kops ….
    …the UN says you shouldn’t own guns anyway.

    Report Post » watchmany2k  
  • Eliasim
    Posted on June 8, 2011 at 7:37am

    The thing about familiar spirits: you don’t actually know if your psychic is wicked, and usually they are reading the person near them. And the more people depend on psychics, the more God is going to confound that language.

    Report Post »  
  • Eliasim
    Posted on June 8, 2011 at 7:33am

    Well, maybe they shouldn’t be listening to “Familiar spirits.” Besides, if they really are not doing that much to protect the U.S ranchers on the border, why do they care about finding a mass grave, except unless they think it may be Mexicans they can use as a story to further an agenda?

    Report Post »  
  • jmbogstad
    Posted on June 8, 2011 at 7:33am

    Maybe I.m the one that’s psychic? I posted yesterday when the story broke that I hope they don’t find anything..

    Report Post »  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on June 8, 2011 at 7:26am

    .
    Hello Texas Police!
    I got a feeling that there are bodies burried in the White House Garden next to the squash ya’ll hurry.

    It will take them awhile to get there, but when they do……..LMAO

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on June 8, 2011 at 7:21am

    .
    Hello yeah I got a feeling in my toe. I think you need to go to…. C’mon fellas I know first hand Texas Sucks the big one, but did you have to go and prove me right again.

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
    • ISeeDanger.com
      Posted on June 8, 2011 at 7:32am

      I had the same feeling but it was different.
      My thought was “Don’t tweet your meat”….

      http://www.ISeeDanger.com

      Report Post » ISeeDanger.com  
    • nzkiwi
      Posted on June 8, 2011 at 7:48am

      Psychics need their heads read.

      Report Post »  
    • PA PATRIOT
      Posted on June 8, 2011 at 7:56am

      Idiots chasing the lunatic fringe.

      Report Post » PA PATRIOT  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on June 8, 2011 at 8:11am

      @NZKiwi:

      Indeed, often the term psychic and psychotic nut job can be used interchangably.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on June 8, 2011 at 8:12am

      @NZKiwi:

      Apologies, I meant to say Psychic and Pathological Liar nutjobs can often be interchanged as far as I am concerned. I did not mean to speak of the Self Annointed One.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • nzkiwi
      Posted on June 8, 2011 at 8:28am

      @ Snow

      Lol.

      Yes you did.

      Report Post »  
    • Bigliardi
      Posted on June 8, 2011 at 8:29am

      Hey Spanda…Why does Texas suck the big one..?

      Report Post »  
    • Dustyluv
      Posted on June 8, 2011 at 9:07am

      Pretty sure he aint a Texas Native rather an import from the land of fruits and nuts…We have common sense down here. Really we should have enough common sense to not fall victim to fraud…Phychic my a@@…no such thing.

      Report Post »  
    • thegrassroots
      Posted on June 8, 2011 at 11:00am

      Police go “scrambling” over someone’s illusion of dead bodies in Hardin, TX.

      In Alameda, CA, the police ended up with a real dead body in the water because, on Memorial Day, police and firefighters were standing on the shore and watching some poor guy drown.

      The “scrambling” police should’ve been sent go CA and the “standing” police should’ve been sent to TX.

      Report Post »  
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