DA issues release to correct misconceptions

Zi’Ariel Robinson-Oliver, 9; A’Miyah Hughes, 8; and Te’Mari Robinson-Oliver, 5, three girls were reported missing at about 9:00 p.m. on July 29, 2022. On March 23, Cass County District Attorney Courtney Shelton issued a press release giving an update on the case. In the release, Shelton informed the public that it was a homicide case and that the girls were reported as missing by their cousin, Paris Propps, who was responsible for their care while their mother was working. The girls’ three siblings were located inside the home unharmed.

With the time that has passed in the case, the public both locally and nationally has passed around rumors and opinions about the case. On April 19, Shelton issued a new release to bring clarification in hopes of correcting inaccuracies about the case.

“The Cass County District Attorney’s Office would like to correct inaccurate information that is being spread by entities and individuals that would have you believe that the investigation regarding Zi’Ariel Robinson Oliver, A’Miyah Hughes, and Te’Mari Robinson-Oliver has been mishandled and/or made a low priority.

“All open criminal investigations must balance the need to release information to the public with the prudence of ensuring the integrity of the investigation.

Misinformation has been provided to the media, critical of the investigation and of the delay in the public release of information. At this time, the public has a right to be informed that a full, thorough investigation was started from the moment the children’s bodies were recovered, and is ongoing today.

“On July 30th, the three girls’ bodies were pulled from the pond. The case was immediately treated as a homicide investigation. Deputies and investigators from the Cass County Sheriff ’s Office collected evidence and took statements from witnesses over the next several days. Additionally, the Texas Rangers were called in to assist.

“On August 4, 2022, Texas Ranger Joshua Mason met with Shommanique Oliver, the mother of the three children, as well as her father, Patremuin Oliver, and notified both parties that the deaths of all three children were not accidents.

“Both parties were provided details from the preliminary autopsy report which stated the cause of death was a homicide. Ranger Mason provided Oliver with an outline of the investigation, including what evidence had already been collected, and what evidence was still to be collected.

Since that day, DNA evidence was collected, K9s were utilized on the property, and a Texas Ranger dive team searched the pond for additional evidence.

“Multiple search warrants were executed, and witnesses were interviewed. The investigation has been ongoing for the last eight months.

“To say this has been a “sham investigation” or a “lazy investigation” is a comment inconsistent with reality and made by those who have not been in contact with anyone directly involved with the investigation. These horrible murders have rippled through our close-knit community while teachers and classmates were devastated knowing that they would be starting the school year without Zi’Ariel, A’Miyah, and Te’Mari. The Cass County District Attorney’s office has made a habit of successfully prosecuting crimes in our community and seeking the maximum punishment for those responsible. This case will be no different.”