Douglas County, CO / Austin, TX / New Mexico — The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with the Austin Police Department, has made an arrest in connection with the body discovered June 15th, 2025, along Interstate 25 near Larkspur, Colorado.
The Douglas County Coroner’s Office has identified the deceased as Brenda Jackson, 65, of Austin, Texas.
Following extensive investigative efforts, Daniel Strong Jr., 73, also of Austin, has been identified as a person of interest in this case. He is currently in custody in Travis County, Texas, and is facing charges of tampering with a deceased human body. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
“This arrest is the result of tireless work by our detectives and support teams,” said Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly. “We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the community members who came forward. Those who called in tips and submitted video footage were absolutely critical in helping us move this case forward.”
Public’s Help Needed in Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado
Authorities are urging the public – particularly in Austin, Texas, New Mexico, and throughout Colorado – to report any information that may assist the investigation. Investigators are especially interested in learning more about:
-Brenda Jackson’s and Daniel Strong Jr.’s whereabouts and interactions in the weeks prior to May 24, 2025
-Any sightings or interactions with the individuals
-Surveillance footage or eyewitness accounts from either state that may be relevant
The vehicle believed to have been used in this crime is depicted below. It’s a dark gray Honda Odyssey van bearing a Texas handicap license plate: 1SGSC. Please review any footage you may have showing this vehicle.
While this arrest marks a significant development, the investigation remains active and ongoing. Detectives are working to trace the victim’s and suspect’s movements leading up to the incident. The Austin Police Department and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office are urging anyone in the Austin area or in Colorado who may have seen or interacted with Brenda Jackson or Daniel Strong Jr. in recent weeks, or who has surveillance footage or other information related to their activities, to come forward.
“We are asking the community to help us fill in the gaps,” said Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly. “Even small details can make a big difference in a case like this.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact:
Detective Lewin at llewin@dcsheriff.net or by phone at 303-660-7563, or Detective Talmon at mtalmon@dcsheriff.net or by phone at 303-660-7185.
Out of respect for the ongoing nature of the investigation and the privacy of the victim’s family, no further details will be released at this time.
