Amanda Gordon, a 30-year-old woman from Cedar Park, Texas, was murdered on December 10, 2019. Her relationship with husband Samuel Byrd had been described as volatile and violent, with multiple domestic incidents reported to police over the years. Amanda was a devoted mother of two young children.

On December 12, 2019, Amanda’s mother reported her missing after several days without contact. Police found Samuel Byrd at the couple’s residence but were initially not allowed inside; a SWAT entry later located the children safe but Amanda was not there. Investigators later recovered burned human remains identified as Amanda’s at a ranch in Bastrop County, Texas, and evidence found at Byrd’s home included a .45-caliber handgun, a spent shell casing, Amanda’s glasses, and her cellphone. Byrd’s brother and girlfriend provided information that led to his arrest.

Amanda’s death underlines the lethal danger that can accompany repeated domestic violence. If anyone knew Amanda, her movements in early December 2019, or has information about the ranch in Bastrop County, please come forward.