Jasper Police Chief Responds Following Dismissal of Minter Murder Case

In the wake of this week’s dismissal of the murder case against Courtney Minter, Jasper Police Chief Garrett W. Foster has released a public statement addressing the department’s role in the circumstances that led to the case’s unraveling.

On Wednesday, June 25, District Attorney Ann Pickle formally requested the dismissal of the case during the third day of trial, citing "material issues with the integrity of certain evidence maintained by the arresting agency," referring to the Jasper Police Department.

Minter had been charged in the February 8, 2022, shooting death of Rexie McMullen Jr., and the case had reached the courtroom this week before proceedings were abruptly halted. In her public statement, Pickle emphasized that it would be unethical to move forward under the circumstances, adding that she has asked the Texas Rangers to investigate the matter involving evidence security.

On Thursday, Chief Foster released a formal response to provide clarity to the community and to outline the actions the department is taking to address the issue.

“At the time of the original investigation, I was serving as Patrol Lieutenant and had no involvement in the case,” Chief Foster said. “While we do not intend to offer excuses, it is necessary to acknowledge that some of the personnel involved in the handling of this case are no longer employed with the department.”

Foster acknowledged that stronger oversight should have been in place and noted that since becoming Chief, the department has implemented new evidence handling and property room procedures in alignment with the Texas Police Chiefs Association Best Practices Accreditation Program.

Although the shell casing in question was not missing, it was later found misplaced in the property room. Foster stressed that at no point was the evidence room accessed or compromised during recent facility renovations — a rumor he aimed to clarify.

“To be clear, no evidence was lost or destroyed,” he said.

Foster also announced that, in addition to a planned internal audit, the department has now formally initiated an independent audit by an outside agency, which is expected to begin in early July. The move is intended to ensure full accountability and strengthen future case integrity.

“While we cannot change the past, I am committed to transparency and accountability moving forward,” Foster added. “We remain dedicated to building a professional, responsible, and community-focused department.”

The case remains under review, and an investigation into the handling of evidence is now underway by the Texas Rangers. No further legal proceedings have been announced at this time.