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Residents press police for missing files, public apology in Roberson case
Summary
At the Aransas Pass City Council meeting, multiple speakers urged the police department to release missing investigative records and issue a formal public apology to the Roberson family in a decades‑old disappearance; speakers said released files still lack critical interviews and personal items.
Dozens of residents used the city council’s public‑comment period on May 18 to demand that the Aransas Pass Police Department release all case files and apologize to the Roberson family over alleged mishandling of a 1989 disappearance investigation.
Several speakers said the department has only provided partial records. "It's time to fulfill that oath, hand over the complete missing files, and deliver a formal public apology to the Roberson family immediately," said Kathleen Holland, who told the council she and a family team are reviewing records turned over under a binding agreement. Darlene Benn said the files show "a blatant, destructive pattern of tunnel vision" and urged the council to seek accountability.
The speakers described missing interviews and withheld personal items — including a diary and address book — that they said could contain information relevant to the case. "Investigators scoured private messages, IP addresses and geolocation and found absolutely nothing linking Ruby or her family to Elisa's disappearance," Benn said, urging the council to demand a public apology.
Beatrice Garcia, speaking as a longtime friend of the family, said investigators focused on the family instead of testing other leads and called the treatment of grieving relatives "a disgrace." Several commenters asked the council to pursue more robust oversight of police records handling and to ensure returned property.
City officials did not take a formal action on a public apology during the meeting. Council members acknowledged receipt of the comments and earlier production of some case files; the council has not announced additional steps or a timeline to compel release of any remaining material.
Next steps: The remarks were entered on the public record and attendees indicated they will return to future council meetings if further action is not taken. The council did not vote on policy or discipline related to the police department at this session.
