Search for Cristi Ruso's Remains Continues at Neches River Following Suspect’s Sentencing

Photo from today's search efforts by: E.J. Williams

The search for the remains of Cristi Ruso, a Jasper County woman who went missing in 2021, resumed Wednesday morning at the Neches River, one day after a Buna man pleaded guilty in connection to her death.

Colby Hunter Tatom, 30, of Buna, was sentenced Tuesday to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to tampering with a body in the ongoing investigation into Ruso’s disappearance and murder.

Crews from the Port Arthur Fire Department Dive Team were deployed to the river near the Jasper/Hardin County line, searching a section of the river near the boat ramp beneath Highway 96 between Silsbee and Evadale.

The team, trained in underwater recovery operations, conducted a thorough search of the area. However, due to swift currents in the river, the search was called off with no remains recovered at this time.

Authorities say the investigation remains active, and search efforts will continue as conditions allow.

Photos and video from today’s search efforts by: E.J. Williams