According to a press release from the McLennan County District Attorney’s Office, Derek Daigneault, aged 29, from Wichita, Kansas, received a life sentence on Thursday for the brutal murder of his cousin, Mandy Reynolds, aged 26. Her charred remains were discovered in a field in Robinson, Texas, in April 2023. The heinous nature of the crime shocked the community, and the verdict serves as a reminder of the grave consequences of such violent actions.

“As I informed the jury, if they knew nothing else about Derek Daigneault except for what he did to Mandy Rose Reynolds—executing her with a gunshot to the head, transporting her body to McLennan County, and setting her ablaze like refuse—that alone would have justified a life sentence,” stated McLennan County Assistant District Attorney Ryan Calvert, as reported by the local CBS affiliate, KWTX.

“However, as we entered the sentencing phase, the jury realized he had a long history of criminal activity, including being a multiple-time convicted felon. He had previously been incarcerated in Kansas for violent offenses and even shot another individual as a juvenile,” Calvert added. “He is an incredibly violent individual who poses a danger to the safety of this community and others. Therefore, life in prison was the only fair verdict.”

In April 2023, responding to reports of a “brush fire” on Heston Circle, Robinson police discovered a body engulfed in flames, “burned beyond recognition.” This shocking discovery was documented in the press release issued by the McLennan County District Attorney’s Office, highlighting the severity of the situation and the urgent need for justice.

Witnesses reported observing a white dog near the crime scene, raising suspicions and creating a direct link to the victim.

“Nearby, a white dog was seen barking frantically at officers, refusing to leave the area of the body. This dog also resisted attempts by police to capture it,” the press release stated. “The next morning, after the remains had been removed, a citizen found the dog sitting precisely where the burning body had been the previous night.”

“That citizen informed Robinson Animal Control, which discovered that the dog, named Titan, was microchipped and belonged to Mandy Rose Reynolds,” the release continued, highlighting the significance of Titan’s role in connecting the victim to the investigation.

Authorities suspected the remains belonged to Reynolds, prompting them to inspect her home in San Marcos. Upon arrival, they found the residence completely emptied of all personal belongings, and her car, a black Honda Accord, was missing, indicating foul play and deepening the mystery surrounding her disappearance.

Following leads, police traced Reynolds’ Honda to Wichita, Kansas. When Wichita police attempted to pull over the vehicle, a high-speed chase ensued, resulting in the driver crashing into another car before fleeing the scene. This dramatic pursuit highlighted the lengths to which the suspect might go to evade capture.

Ultimately, police apprehended the driver, who was identified as Daigneault, Reynolds’ cousin. Inside the vehicle, authorities discovered a handgun positioned in the driver’s seat, adding significant evidence to the case against him.

The medical examiner confirmed the identity of Reynolds’ body through dental records. The autopsy revealed that her cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head. Authorities reported that her body was discovered within a large plastic storage container that had been burned. A bullet found at the crime scene was linked to the handgun discovered in Daigneault’s possession during his arrest, strengthening the evidence against him.

As highlighted in the press release, San Marcos police obtained surveillance footage from a Walmart showing Daigneault purchasing a “large plastic storage container similar to the one Reynolds’ body was found in, a shovel, and a gas can.” The video also captured him driving away from the store with Titan “sticking his head out the car’s window,” providing a chilling image of the events leading up to the crime.

Police later located Reynolds’ missing belongings in the trunk of an abandoned vehicle, further solidifying the chain of evidence connecting Daigneault to the crime.

“The keys to this case were a brave and loyal dog named Titan, alongside the extraordinary cooperation between law enforcement agencies across multiple jurisdictions and states. This combination has delivered justice for Mandy and ensured the safety of this community from a violent criminal,” stated Calvert and Assistant District Attorney Alyssa Killin in a statement included in the press release.

Daigneault is identified as a nine-time convicted felon, according to reports from KWTX. The outlet also noted that a confrontation occurred between Reynolds’ family and Daigneault during the latter’s sentencing, adding a layer of emotional turmoil to the proceedings.

As reported by KWTX, Reynolds’ mother, older brother, and stepfather provided victim impact statements during the sentencing. During the testimony of Reynolds’ brother, Daigneault erupted in the courtroom, accusing his cousin of a crime. Although the judge intervened, Daigneault disregarded the instructions and continued yelling, resulting in his being escorted out of the courtroom. This incident highlighted the emotional intensity surrounding the case.

Following his removal from the courtroom, Daigneault’s relatives—including his brother-in-law, mother, and sister—engaged in a confrontation with Reynolds’ family members. This altercation escalated when Daigneault’s brother-in-law was ultimately handcuffed after striking one of Reynolds’ family members. He was later released, but the incident underscored the tensions that ran high in the courtroom.