A Lamar County man reported missing earlier this month was found dead on his own property, and his stepson has been charged with murder, according to the Lamar County Sheriff’s Office.
On Monday, December 8, 2025, family members of 69-year-old Donald Edward Gray filed a missing persons report at the Sheriff’s Office. They told investigators they had not seen or heard from him since November 23. Detectives were concerned early on because Gray’s vehicles and personal belongings were still at his home in northwest Lamar County.
Detectives launched an investigation that quickly led to a search warrant for Gray’s property. During that search, they located Gray’s body on the premises. An initial autopsy indicated his death was the result of homicide.
Investigators identified Gray’s stepson, 43-year-old Terrance Deangelo Ellis, as a suspect. Ellis lived at the residence with Gray. He was taken into custody and is now charged with murder. His bond was set at $500,000, and he remains in the Lamar County Jail.
The Sheriff’s Office credited the teamwork between Lamar County Detectives and Paris Police Detectives for quickly identifying and arresting the suspect.
Officials extended condolences to Gray’s family, noting the shock and grief caused by the discovery.
The homicide investigation remains active.
