Karen Bigham, a 49-year-old woman from McKinney, Texas, tragically lost her life on June 20, 2016. Karen was born on April 18, 1967, in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and was a beloved hairstylist known for her dedication to making others beautiful. She was also a loving mother, daughter, sister, and grandmother.
The circumstances surrounding Karen's death were deeply tragic. Her estranged husband, Kelley Eugene Bigham, returned to their home to retrieve some of his belongings.
Kelley, who was upset about the impending divorce, pulled out a handgun and told their adult daughter and Karen's twin sister, Kathy Boobar, to leave the house. After they exited, Karen yelled "call 911," and Kelley fired two shots, killing Karen and her twin sister. Kelley then fled to Rains County but was later arrested at his father's house.
Kelley Bigham was charged with capital murder and, in August 2017, he pleaded guilty to the crime. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The case deeply affected the community, and approximately 2000 people attended the twin sisters' visitation and funeral services.
The investigation involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the McKinney Police Department, the Collin County Sheriff's Department, the East Tawakoni Police Department, and the Texas Rangers. The prosecution was handled by Assistant Criminal District Attorney Lisa Milasky King, with District Attorney Investigator Kenny Newton and District Attorney Victim Assistance Coordinator Susanne Riggs assisting in the case.
The tragic loss of Karen Bigham and her twin sister, Kathy Boobar, left a significant impact on their family and community, who remembered them for their love, friendship, and contributions to those around them.
