Murder case dismissed following evidence issues with Jasper PD-Texas Rangers to investigate

Courtney Minter has been released and all charges dropped after murder trial dismissal

6/25/25

JASPER, TX-

Today, during the murder trial of Courtney Minter in the February 8, 2022 death of Rexie McMullen Jr. in Jasper, Jasper District Attorney Ann Pickle asked the court to dismiss the case against Minter.

Pickle stated that there are 'material issues with the integrity of certain evidence maintained by the arresting agency,' the Jasper Police Department. She added that it would be unethical to proceed under these circumstances.

Pickle added that she has asked the Texas Rangers to step in and investigate 'this matter of evidence security' and said that her office will assist in the investigation in any way they can.

Pickle has issued the following press release regarding today's dismissal:

"Today, while putting on evidence for the third day of trial in the case styled, the State of Texas v. Courtney Minter, my office became aware of material issues with the integrity of certain evidence maintained by the arresting agency. Because of this, I felt it would be unethical to proceed with the prosecution of this case. As Criminal District Attorney, I have taken an oath, along with all other prosecutors in the State of Texas, to seek justice, not convictions, and without the integrity of the evidence, a fair and impartial trial could not take place. My staff and I are extremely disappointed and heartbroken for the family and friends of Rexie McMullen, Jr., whose murder has left an indelible hole in all their lives. I have requested that the Texas Rangers open an investigation into this matter of evidence integrity, and my office will assist the Rangers in any way we can."