Texas Authorities Reopen Cold Case Murder of Joel Osteen’s Relative

Murder of Pastor Joel Osteen’s Great-Aunt Reopened Nearly 20 Years Later

Texas law enforcement has officially reopened the investigation into the brutal 2006 murder of Johnnie Daniel, the great-aunt of renowned televangelist and Lakewood Church pastor, Joel Osteen. The case, long considered resolved, has returned to the spotlight following a major development: the release of the original suspect and the dismissal of the charges against him.

A Shocking Crime That Shook Houston

In August 2006, 84 year old Johnnie Daniel was discovered bludgeoned to death inside her home. Her face had been severely beaten, and her body was found with a copy of the New Testament and a pencil placed on her chest. A hammer wrapped in a bloody towel was located beside her, believed at the time to be the murder weapon.

Daniel was the aunt of Dodie Osteen, Joel Osteen’s 91-year-old mother. The family’s connection to one of America’s most influential religious figures only deepened public interest in the case.

A Questionable Conviction

At the time of the murder, authorities charged 29-year-old Edric Wilson, a Houston man who was already in custody on an unrelated aggravated assault charge. DNA evidence initially linked Wilson to the scene, and though he was later found mentally incompetent to stand trial, he remained in prison for 18 years.

However, in August 2024, the murder charge was officially dismissed. Investigators concluded that the DNA evidence previously used to connect Wilson to the crime was far weaker than initially believed. With no longer a strong case against him, Wilson, now 47, pleaded guilty only to the unrelated assault charge and was released on parole in March 2025.

The Case Reopens

With Wilson no longer behind bars for the murder, authorities have returned their attention to the case.

“The Johnnie Daniel case from 2006 remains open and very much active. It is currently assigned to our Homicide Unit,” said Senior Deputy Thomas Gilliland of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

The Harris County District Attorney’s Office confirmed that any new evidence uncovered will be reviewed carefully.

“When or if HCSO discovers new evidence, prosecutors will assess the case and determine whether or not anyone should face charges,” said Courtney Fischer, chief of communications for the DA’s Office.

A Lingering Mystery

Lakewood Church, led by Joel Osteen, remains one of the largest megachurches in the United States. The connection between this high-profile religious leader and the unsolved murder has reignited national attention.

With the case now active again, and its prime suspect released, the central question remains:

Will new evidence finally bring justice for Johnnie Daniel after nearly two decades of silence?

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