Police Make Arrest in 1982 Cold Case Murder

ODESSA, TX – The Odessa Police Department Criminal Investigation Division, along with the assistance of the Texas Rangers Unsolved Crimes Investigation Program, have made an arrest in connection to a cold case murder investigation.

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Billy Wayne Ludwigson, 58 years of age, has been charged in connection with the murder of Velma Nesset, 64 years of age (at the time of her death).

On April 19, 1982, Nesset’s body was located in a drainage culvert near the 4200 block of Tanglewood Lane after she failed to arrive at her place of employment, Permian Mall (now Music City Mall).

At the time Nesset was employed by the mall as a part-time housekeeper.

The investigation revealed that she had been sexually assaulted and stabbed to death.

According to OPD, Ludwigson was identified through the use of advanced forensic technology, as well as relentless investigative efforts.

Ludwigson remains in custody in Denver, Colorado currently pending extradition to Odessa.