On November 18, 2007, 62-year-old Diane Hopson was last seen at her residence on Van Zandt County Road 2815 near Mabank, Texas. Earlier that day, she had a visit from her adult daughter and mentioned her plans to mow the pasture. She also indicated that an acquaintance, Johnson Walter Burris, would be coming over to work on her lawn mower. Burris's sister later reported seeing him with Hopson at her home at 4:30 p.m. and then saw her brother alone at his own home an hour later.
Hopson has not been seen or heard from since.
The following day, after being unable to contact her, Hopson's daughter went to her mother's home and discovered a scene that suggested a violent struggle, prompting her to contact the police just before midnight. Investigators found a significant amount of blood on the back porch, leading them to believe someone had likely died there. Drag marks were also present, indicating a body may have been moved from the house into a vehicle. Left behind at the scene were Hopson's two cars, keys, purse, and cell phone.
Nearly two weeks after her disappearance, Johnson Walter Burris, an acquaintance of Hopson's for about 15 years, was arrested and charged with her murder. Neighbors reported hearing a loud argument at Hopson's home on the night she went missing, and Burris's light-colored pickup truck was the last vehicle seen parked there. Although Burris admitted to being at Hopson's home that day to fix her tractor, a search of his truck revealed blood in the tailgate and cab.
Despite extensive search efforts, which included the use of cadaver dogs, Diane Hopson's body has never been recovered. Johnson Walter Burris was convicted of her murder. Due to the evidence found at her home and the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, foul play is suspected.Last Seen: Nov 18, 2007
