A 2018 double-murder that had stymied Texas investigators for many years has at long last been solved after the alleged killer is said to have confessed, according to the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office.
Lance Kaeden Rains, 25, was taken into custody on Saturday, January 10, after reportedly confessing to the shooting deaths of Beverly McBride, 17, and her father, Gabriel McBride, who was 47.
Investigators claim that Rains, who has been charged with two counts of capital murder, lived next door to the father and daughter. Police have said they do not yet have a motive for the December 10, 2018, murders in Chandler, an east Texas town.
Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse did tell reporters his detectives have learned that Rains had previously bought marijuana from Gabriel and that he may have shot and killed the father and daughter during a robbery gone awry.
“This breakthrough is the result of persistent investigative efforts, detailed forensic analysis, and the cooperation of multiple agencies,” reads a press release on Rains’ arrest. “The Henderson County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to seeking justice for victims and their families — no matter how much time has passed.”
KETK News, citing the arrest documents filed in the case, reported that Gabriel and Beverly were found in their home with multiple gunshot wounds. The investigation into their deaths yielded no leads and was turning cold. But then, on June 2, 2024, a tip would send the probe into overdrive.
The court documents redacted the name of the tip’s provider, but notes they consider themselves one of Rains’ friends.
While speaking to police, the friend provided details that hadn’t been released publicly.
He said Beverly McBride was on the couch at the time of the killings and that Rains was sitting in a chair next to her when he shot her. The friend also gave cops a description of the murder weapon — a revolver, registered to Rains’ grandparents.
Beverly and Gabriel McBride Henderson County Sheriff’s Office
Rains’ grandmother was later interviewed by investigators, and she told them that she gave her grandson the revolver for his birthday back in 2021. Forensic testing on the weapon ultimately confirmed it was used to kill Gabriel as well as his teen daughter.
Rains allegedly confessed to the killings when confronted with the evidence, according to Hillhouse.
“Our investigators never stopped working for this family,” Hillhouse offered in a statement on the arrest. “Time does not diminish our commitment to justice, and today’s arrest is proof that we will pursue the truth for as long as it takes.”
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Added the statement: “Justice may take time, but it never stops.”
Police said that Rains told them he actually had no problem with the McBrides. In fact, investigators said Rains grew up with Beverly and noted that the two were friends when they were small children.
Rains had his bond set at $2 million. Rains’ case will be presented to a grand jury for indictment within the next 90 days.
It was unclear on Friday, January 16, if Rains was represented by an attorney who could discuss the charges.
