Texas DPS Increases Reward to $6,000 in 1992 Cold Case Murder of 81-year-old Man

The Texas Department of Public Safety is asking for public help in solving the 1992 murder of 81-year-old Raymond “Ray” Adolph Lightner, whose body was found stabbed inside his home in Taylor, Texas. The reward for information leading to an arrest has been raised to $6,000 for tips received before the next Texas Rangers cold case is featured.

Lightner, a widower recovering from a glaucoma procedure, was last heard from the evening before his death on November 12, 1992. He was known to socialize at a local domino lounge and kept in regular contact with family in Taylor and Austin. Despite extensive interviews and multiple cleared suspects at the time, the case went unsolved for over three decades.

Now, investigators are turning to modern DNA technology to reexamine evidence, hoping the community can provide critical information. The Taylor Police Department and Texas Rangers continue to actively investigate.

Tips can be submitted through the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477) or online via the Texas Crime Stoppers website, selecting “Cold Cases Featured” and “Cold Case” as the offense type. Those providing information that leads to an arrest may be eligible for the $6,000 reward.