Cristi Ruso, a 31-year-old woman from Buna, Texas, was reported missing on October 21, 2021, the day after she was released from the Jasper County Jail. Ruso's case quickly turned into a murder investigation when evidence suggested that she was shot to death by Colby Hunter Tatom, a 29-year-old man from Buna. Despite extensive searches, Ruso's body has never been recovered.
The investigation into Ruso's death involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Jasper County Sheriff's Office, the FBI, and the Texas Department of Public Safety. On January 4, 2023, Tatom was arrested on unrelated charges, and during the investigation, evidence linking him to Ruso's murder was uncovered. This led to a grand jury indictment on December 21, 2023, charging Tatom with first-degree murder.
Tatom was arrested at a Walmart in Lumberton, Texas, and is currently being held in the Jasper County Jail on a $1 million bond. The investigation revealed that Ruso's movements on the day she went missing were verified up until she returned to Tatom's residence on County Road 777 in Buna. Investigators believe that Tatom murdered Ruso and disposed of her body.
The case has been a priority for Jasper County Chief Deputy Jason McClelland, who has been commended for his dedication and perseverance throughout the investigation. Multiple search warrants were executed at Tatom's residence and nearby properties, and DNA samples were analyzed at a crime lab in Houston. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to search for Ruso's body and gather additional evidence.
The Ruso family has expressed gratitude for the efforts of law enforcement and hopes for closure and justice. The case has drawn significant attention and resources, highlighting the commitment of the involved agencies to solving this tragic crime.
