After almost eight years of investigation, the Big Bend Cold Case Task Force has made an arrest in the 2017 homicide of Kaylyn Van De Wostine. Van De Wostine, who was 38 years old at the time of her death, was found dead on November 3, 2017, in the 2600 block of McArthur Street. Investigators determined that she died from a single gunshot wound.
Despite significant initial efforts to solve the case, leads eventually dried up and the case went cold. In June 2025, investigators used new forensic technology by submitting DNA evidence for advanced testing. The results gave detectives crucial information that led to identifying Akbar Beale, age 46, as the person responsible for Van De Wostine’s death.
Today, law enforcement arrested Beale and charged him with second-degree murder.
The Big Bend Cold Case Task Force continues its work with partner agencies to review unsolved cases in the region. Authorities encourage anyone with information about unsolved crimes to contact investigators or submit tips.
