Athens, TX — A man has been arrested after police investigating a missing person report discovered a body inside a residence in Athens.
According to Athens Police Chief Chad Allen, officers were contacted around 10:15 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, by family members who reported that 41-year-old Derris Reynolds had not been seen since February 25.
Officers began a missing person investigation and went to a residence in the 100 block of South Wofford Street, where Reynolds had been staying.
Investigators reviewed security footage from the property and gathered information from Reynolds’ family members.
During the investigation, officers identified 38-year-old Nicki Lee Gibby as a suspect.
Police located Gibby at the same residence and took him into custody at approximately 3:41 a.m. Wednesday, March 4.
While arresting Gibby, officers said they observed additional evidence related to Reynolds’ disappearance. Investigators then obtained a search warrant for the property.
During the search, officers discovered Reynolds deceased inside the home.
Authorities said Reynolds and Gibby were both residents at the address and were known to each other.
The Henderson County District Attorney’s Office, Texas Rangers, and the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the investigation. Gibby's bond has been set at $1 million.
Police said the case is being investigated as a homicide.
