The estranged husband of a woman who has missing for nearly five years was arrested Thursday on suspicion of murder.
Katherine Stobaugh was last seen on Dec. 29, 2004, at the Sanger home of Charles Stobaugh, her estranged husband. She went to his home to talk about a divorce, and police later found her car in his driveway.
The body of Stobaugh, a mother of two and kindergarten teacher, has never been found, despite numerous searches. Family, volunteers and even psychics combed the ranch in the area near the couple's home in Denton County.
Despite not finding her body, the Denton County district attorney's office is proceeding with the case.
"There is some risk going forward without the remains, but like I said, with the family's blessing, we're ready to go," said Jamie Beck, first assistant prosecutor.
Beck said the county received help from the Texas Rangers to proceed with the cold case.
In the initial investigation, police said they suspected foul play and called Charles Stobaugh a person of interest. Stobaugh denied involvement, and police said he refused to cooperate with the investigation.
Local
The latest news from around North Texas.
Katherine Stobaugh's disappearance was featured on Dateline NBC in May 2007. Her family said they didn't think investigators were doing enough to solve the case.
"You feel like they would put more effort into finding their car keys than human life, but she might not have been high-profile, but she was a very sweet person. She's someone's mother," said Betty Hames, her aunt.
Some of Charles Stobaugh's relatives also told Dateline they believed he was somehow involved.
"I believe that a crime has been committed, and the person who committed the crime deserves punishment for it, even if it's your brother," Tim Stobaugh said.
Katherine Stobaugh's family said Thursday that they have prayed for this day for years.
"We put it all in the Lord's hands, and he's been carrying us all the way and keeping our faith strong," said Mark Munday, Katherine Stobaugh's brother.
A $61,000 reward for information in the case remains unclaimed.
Texas Rangers and the Denton County Sheriff's deputies arrested Charles Stobaugh at his home in Sanger on Thursday. He has been indicted on a charge of murder and is being held on $100,000 bail.
Prosecutors said they don't consider Stobaugh to be a flight risk.
