Austin, TX
Brother of 1980 cold case victim speaks out after police identify suspect
Brother of cold case victim speaks out
Charles Wolfe, brother of 25-year-old murder victim Susan Wolfe, spoke to FOX 7 Austin after finding out that law enforcement have finally identified his sister’s alleged killer after more than 40 years. FOX 7 Austin’s Angela Shen spoke with Wolfe in this “Missing in Texas”.
AUSTIN, Texas – The brother of a woman murdered in 1980 is speaking out after law enforcement say they have identified her alleged killer.
Austin police say they have identified a murder suspect in a cold case from 1980.
On January 9, 1980, 25-year-old Susan Wolfe enrolled at the UT Austin School of Nursing. Her brother, Charles Wolfe, describes her as a great spirit.
“She was working at the state hospital at the time and really cared about people. That was kind of a crossover for her, to get her foot in the door at University of Texas,” he said.
Suspect identified in 1980 homicide in Austin
The Austin Police Department has identified a suspect in connection to the 1980 murder of 25-year-old Susan Leigh Wolfe.
Austin Police say that on that same day, around 10 p.m., she was kidnapped about a block from her home while walking to her friend’s house.
A witness saw a car, described as a 1970 Dodge Polara, stopping and the driver grabbing her in a bear hug, putting a coat over her head, and forcing her into the car. The witness said the passenger door also opened, but didn’t see what they did.
Susan’s body was found the next morning in an alley on East 17th Street near Poquito Street. Police say she had been strangled, sexually assaulted, and shot in the head.
Charles was a junior in high school at the time.
“I was in disbelief, denial, thinking that must be some kind of mistake. Things like that just don’t happen,” he said.
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APD had over 40 people of interest, interviewed at least six suspects, some as far away as New York State.
“It was really tough on our family. It was like an open wound that would fester,” Charles said. “After, I’d say a decade, our family had given up.”
Last year, police sent DNA for testing. They got the results in February, which eliminated the six known suspects. The results were then entered into CODIS, a DNA database of offenders, unsolved crime scene evidence, and missing persons.
In March, a possible match was found in Massachusetts: 78-year-old Deck Brewer, Jr. He’s incarcerated there on unrelated charges.
He told APD detectives he had been in Austin and San Antonio around the time of Susan’s death. He has been charged with her murder.
“I was shocked, I was dumbfounded. I was just ecstatic. It was, I tell you, one of the best days of my life,” Charles said. “It’s tempered with a little cautious optimism because we want to make sure that it’s justice delayed, but not denied. I want to make sure that we bring the perpetrators of this crime to justice ultimately.”
Susan was the big sister to two younger brothers. Their parents passed away without ever knowing who was responsible for Susan’s death.
“She’s still alive in the hearts and minds of anyone who ever knew her that was touched by her,” Charles said.
The case isn’t closed yet. Detectives still want to know who the passenger in the car was.
If you have any information, call the APD Cold Case Unit at 512-974-5250.
“We want to heighten the visibility of this case to let people out there know there’s still someone out there. There’s someone that probably knows this individual or has seen this car, knows the history of this case. I like to encourage them to come forward, to cooperate, to help bring these people to justice. Someone knows something,” Charles said.
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George Strait thrilled fans with an unforgettable concert at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, delivering a set packed with his signature No. 1 hits. The country music legend’s return to the stage after nearly four years left some wondering how much longer he plans to continue performing, as Strait has hinted at retirement in the past.
Why it matters
As one of the most influential and successful country artists of all time, George Strait’s concerts have become must-see events for his devoted fanbase. This performance in Austin showcased Strait’s enduring popularity and artistry, even as he nears the end of his legendary career.
The details
Strait’s concert at the Moody Center on Thursday night was his first at the venue since April 2022. The show featured a hit-filled setlist that had the capacity crowd singing along. Strait shared a video on Instagram teasing the performance, writing ‘What a night Austin, TX! Who’s ready to do it again on Saturday?’ While the video didn’t show any full performances, it did include a snippet of Strait singing his 2024 single ‘Three Drinks Down’.
- Strait last performed at the Moody Center in April 2022.
- He is scheduled to play another show at the Moody Center on Saturday, April 13, 2026.
What they’re saying
“I have maybe five good years to sing my songs for you, folks…it’s been around 50 now. And I still love it just as much as I ever did.”
— George Strait
What’s next
Strait is scheduled to perform another show at the Moody Center in Austin on Saturday, April 13, 2026, giving fans another chance to see the country legend in action.
The takeaway
George Strait’s epic return to the Moody Center stage in Austin underscores his enduring popularity and artistry, even as he nears the end of his legendary career. Fans cherished the opportunity to witness the ‘King of Country Music’ deliver a hit-filled set, leaving them to wonder how much longer they’ll be able to see Strait perform live.
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Strong storms moved through Central Texas on Sunday, causing damage near Schulenburg in Fayette County and prompting tornado warnings in Burnet and San Saba counties. The National Weather Service said the damage in Fayette County was likely caused by straight-line winds, not a tornado. No injuries were reported, but a barn was blown over and trees and power lines were downed.
Why it matters
Severe weather events like this can cause significant property damage and disrupt power and transportation in affected areas. Understanding the nature of the storms, whether they produced tornadoes or straight-line winds, is important for assessing the risks and preparing communities for future severe weather.
The details
Storms moved through the region on Sunday, with tornado warnings issued in Burnet and San Saba counties. In Fayette County near Schulenburg, a metal building was blown over, a barn was destroyed, and trees and power lines were downed by what the National Weather Service said were straight-line winds, not a tornado. No injuries were reported.
- Tornado warnings were issued in Burnet and San Saba counties on Sunday.
- Storms and damage were reported in Fayette County, near Schulenburg, on Sunday.
The players
National Weather Service
The federal agency responsible for weather forecasting and issuing severe weather warnings.
Judson Ulrich
A resident who sent in a photo of a large tree branch that snapped and fell during the storms.
Kaylee Houston
A resident who sent in a photo of a trampoline blown into a tree by the storms.
Karey Ann Ann Kalich
A resident who sent in photos of a metal building blown over by the storms.
Danielle Buckley
A resident who sent in a photo of a tree struck by lightning during the storms.
Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›
What’s next
The National Weather Service will continue to assess the damage and determine the exact nature of the storms that moved through the region on Sunday.
The takeaway
This severe weather event highlights the importance of being prepared for sudden and powerful storms, which can cause significant damage even without producing tornadoes. Residents in affected areas should remain vigilant and heed any future weather warnings.
Austin weather: April 12 morning forecast
Austin faces a Level 2 risk for severe storms today with potential for 2-inch hail, 4 inches of rain, and isolated tornadoes. Stay weather aware as storms continue into the evening.
12:30 p.m. Update
AUSTIN – A Flash Flood Warning remains in effect until 2:45 p.m. for Dewitt, Gonzales and Lavaca Counties.
From the National Weather Service, at 12:21 PM CDT, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 2 and 4 inches of rain have fallen. The expected rainfall rate is 2 to3 inches in 1 hour. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is already occurring.
Some locations that will experience flash flooding include: Gonzales, Shiner, Hochheim, Cheapside, Hamon, Glaze City, Dreyer, Dilworth, Little New York, Wrightsboro, Nickle and Henkhaus. A gauge in Moulton has reported 3.43 inches of rain in the past hour.
12 p.m. Update
The National Weather Service in Austin/San Antonio has issued aFlash Flood Warning for South Central Fayette County in south central Texas, Eastern Gonzales County in south central Texas, and Northwestern Lavaca County in south central Texas until 3:15 PM CDT.
At 1209 PM CDT, Doppler radar and automated rain gauges indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain across the warned area. Between 1 and 3 inches of rain have fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches are possible in the warned area. Flash flooding is already occurring.
Sunday Weather Forecast
Central Texas residents are advised to remain “weather aware” Sunday as a series of storms moved through the region, bringing with them a Level 2 risk for severe weather and potential flash flooding.
While a severe thunderstorm watch for downtown Austin was allowed to shrink and expire during the morning hours, conditions remain favorable for isolated, intense activity through the afternoon and evening.
Severe risks and hazards
The Storm Prediction Center has placed the majority of the Austin viewing area under a widespread Level 2 risk. We are particularly concerned with:
- Large Hail: A “hatched” area indicates the potential for hail up to two inches in diameter.
- Damaging Winds: Gusts could accompany cells moving through the Hill Country and I-35 corridor.
- Isolated Tornadoes: While the threat remains low (approximately 2% or less), forecasters noted it is “not zero.”
- Flooding: Some areas could see between 2 to 4 inches of rainfall, potentially leading to ponding in low-lying and flood-prone areas.
Model uncertainty
There are inconsistencies between weather models, with some suggesting a washout and others showing more isolated activity.
I’m thinking as we move throughout the day, we could be seeing some isolated activity that could be strong to severe. The reality will likely fall “somewhere in the middle” of current projections.
The week ahead
The warm, muggy pattern is expected to persist as winds pull moisture from the south-southeast.
- Daily Chances: While Sunday holds the highest coverage, rain and storm chances continue through the workweek.
- Midweek Spike: Storm chances rise again on Wednesday.
- Weekend Outlook: Another “soggy and stormy” Saturday is projected for next weekend.
Temperatures will climb from the upper 60s into the low 80s today. A warming trend will push afternoon highs near 90 degrees by Friday before the next system arrives.
The Source: Information in this article is from the FOX 7 Austin weather team.
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