Cold case of Twilight Crooks closer to resolution after 20 years

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – A year and a half ago, WNKY reported on a cold-case homicide in Plano and now, Warren County Sheriff Brett Hightower said, the story resulted in people coming forward with information.

That information led officials to obtain a search warrant and has them one step closer to solving the case.

Hightower has a message for those involved or anyone who may know something.

“The Warren County Sheriff’s Office is seeking your help. Our office recently reopened and is actively investigating a homicide of Twilight Crooks which took place nearly 20 years ago.

“With the recent assistance of the FBI’s forensic team and newer technology we are hopeful that we will be able to identify the DNA of anyone associated with the death or disposal of Twilight Crooks’ body.

“The investigation revealed that on the afternoon of Aug. 28, 2001, Twilight Crooks received a phone call that was traced back to the Plano Country Store from a payphone outside. It is believed that after this call, Twilight left her home.

“It wasn’t until Sept. 10, two weeks later, Twilight’s body was found fully clothed in a wooden area just off Matlock Old Union Church Road. When located, Twilight was wearing what appeared to be a jersey type shirt from Edmonson County.

“As of late, the physical evidence has been re-examined and submitted to the FBI’s laboratory for analysis. In addition, recent leads received have been helpful.

“As we prepare this case for prosecution, any additional help will further substantiate the physical evidence obtained. If you have any knowledge on this case, now is the time to come forward. If you believe you may have seen or heard anything pertaining to this case investigation you need to contact the Warren County Sheriff’s office immediately,” said Hightower.

Investigators do know the cause of Twilight’s death but have never released it.

Hightower said the goal of the new information he is releasing is to “turn the heat up” on anyone who may know anything about the homicide.

He believes with the public’s help, there might be justice in this nearly 20-year-old case.