BEAUMONT, Texas — A community in Southeast Texas is reeling from shock and grief following the discovery of a woman’s body near a popular local park, a tragedy that has now been linked to the loss of a beloved mother and friend. Authorities have confirmed the identity of the victim as 33-year-old LaQuanta Edwards, known affectionately to her childhood friends and clients as “Alie Katt.”

The horrific discovery was made on Friday morning, December 5, 2025, near Tyrrell Park, ending a frantic search that began when Edwards went missing the night before. As police move forward with the prosecution of the suspect, 34-year-old Thaddeaus McCray, those who knew Edwards best are taking to social media to share heart-wrenching tributes to a woman described as driven, resilient, and full of infectious laughter.

The case of LaQuanta Edwards known as Alie Katt murdered in Beaumont has struck a nerve across the city, highlighting the fragility of life and the devastating impact of sudden violence on families and children.

“Rest in Peace Alie Katt”: Friends Remember a Vibrant Spirit

While the police reports list her legal name, to those who grew up with her and sat in her styling chair, she was “Alie Katt.” In the hours following the confirmation of her death, social media timelines were flooded with memories of a woman who was much more than a crime statistic.

One poignant tribute shared by a childhood best friend captured the depth of the loss:

“I just saw Alie Katt when I came to Beaumont. We talked about how we got matching tattoos at 16. Talked about our kids, laughed and caught up… I can’t believe that would be the last night we got to talk, and I THANK GOD for giving me that moment.”

For this friend, the tragedy is compounded by the recency of their reunion. The memory of “Tiggady Mitchell” and Alie sneaking out as teenagers stands in stark contrast to the grim reality of the police investigation. It paints a picture of a lifelong bond severed in an instant.

Another colleague remembered Edwards for her professional talent and her kindness. Edwards was known in the community for her skill with lace wigs and hair styling, a trade she used to connect with others.

“I had the pleasure of working with her for a few months in the past. She also assisted me with a lace wig and provided instructions on how to style it. During our recent conversation, I was reminded of her remarkable spirit and resilience.”

These tributes underscore the human element often lost in breaking news reports. LaQuanta Edwards known as Alie Katt murdered in Beaumont was a mother, a creative professional, and a childhood confidant whose life was cut short in a manner that police have described as violent and senseless.

The Discovery at Tyrrell Park

The timeline of the tragedy began late Thursday night, December 4, 2025. According to the Beaumont Police Department, officers received a call from a concerned friend of Edwards. This friend had reportedly received a distress call from Edwards earlier in the evening and used smartphone location data to track her last known location to the 2400 block of Ashley Avenue.

Despite officers checking the area just before midnight, they initially found no sign of Edwards. However, the search intensified the following morning.

At approximately 7:50 a.m. on Friday, December 5, officers were dispatched to Frint Drive, a quiet road located near the entrance of Tyrrell Park. It was there that they discovered the body of a deceased female. Justice of the Peace Ransom “Duce” Jones arrived at the scene and pronounced the victim dead, ordering an immediate autopsy.

While the official cause of death has been withheld pending the medical examiner’s full report, preliminary information released by the police indicates that Edwards suffered “multiple stab wounds.” The brutality of the crime has left investigators and the community searching for answers.

The Investigation: Tracking the Suspect

The investigation into the death of LaQuanta Edwards known as Alie Katt murdered in Beaumont moved rapidly thanks to digital forensics. Detectives utilized the same phone location data that the concerned friend had provided to pinpoint a duplex on Ashley Avenue as a primary scene of interest.

Upon entering the residence at 2454 Ashley Avenue for a welfare check, officers discovered what was described in the probable cause affidavit as “clear signs a violent crime had occurred.” Evidence was found both inside the home and near the back of the property.

Crucially, the residence was linked to Thaddeaus McCray, a 34-year-old man identified as the tenant. Police noted that while the home appeared lived in, it was unoccupied at the time of the search. Further complicating the scene was the discovery of Edwards’ SUV, which was located abandoned in the 2300 block of Ashley Avenue—less than a mile from the duplex but nearly nine miles from where her body was eventually recovered near the park.

Arrest of Thaddeaus McCray

By Friday afternoon, the Beaumont Police Department’s Special Assignment Unit had tracked McCray to a residence on Euclid Street. When officers arrived, McCray surrendered peacefully and was taken into custody without incident.

The arrest brought a swift, albeit somber, resolution to the immediate manhunt. McCray has been charged with Murder, a first-degree felony.

Initially, a magistrate judge set McCray’s bond at $500,000. However, reflecting the severity of the allegations and the violent nature of the crime, Judge Raquel West later raised the bond to $1,500,000. Conditions of the bond state that should McCray be released, he must wear a GPS ankle monitor and is prohibited from leaving Jefferson County.

When asked by reporters if he had any statement following his arrest, McCray offered a cryptic and resigned comment: “I’ve said everything I knew… so… thank you.”

A Community in Mourning

As the legal process begins, the emotional processing for the community is just starting. On Sunday night, December 7, friends and family gathered at C.E. King High School in nearby Houston for a balloon release to honor Edwards’ life. The release of balloons—purple and white drifting into the night sky—symbolized the collective grief of two cities, Houston and Beaumont, united by this loss.

The tribute provided by the user highlights the devastation felt by those who thought they had more time.

“I didn’t know when I hugged you and said goodbye. It REALLY MEANT GOOD BYE! I love you forever Alie.”

This sentiment echoes through the comments sections of local news sites and social media pages. Edwards is remembered as a “driven individual who consistently approached life with a smile.” In the beauty industry, where she worked, clients build deep relationships with their stylists. Losing “Alie Katt” means losing a confidant and a friend for many women in the Beaumont area.

Domestic Violence and Safety Context

While police have not explicitly detailed the relationship between Edwards and McCray, the circumstances—a distress call to a friend, a meeting at a residence, and a violent altercation—fit a distressing pattern of interpersonal violence often seen in homicide cases.

Beaumont has struggled with violent crime rates in recent years, and the death of LaQuanta Edwards known as Alie Katt murdered in Beaumont adds to a grim tally for 2025. Community advocates are using this tragedy to remind residents of the importance of “welfare checks” and the “buddy system.” The friend who tracked Edwards’ phone and called the police is being credited with helping authorities solve the case quickly, even if they could not save her life.

What We Know About the Victim: ‘Alie Katt’

Based on the outpouring of love, a clearer picture of LaQuanta Edwards is emerging.

• A Mother: Tributes consistently mention her children and her devotion to them. “May God continue to watch over her children,” wrote one friend.

• A Professional: She was skilled in creating and styling lace wigs, a detailed and artistic profession that requires patience and a steady hand.

• A Friend: She maintained long-term friendships, some spanning over half her life, evidenced by the mention of matching tattoos at age 16.

The disconnect between the vibrant, laughing woman described in tributes and the victim found on Frint Drive is the hardest part for the community to reconcile. She was a woman with plans, responsibilities, and a future that was stolen.

Next Steps in the Legal Case

Thaddeaus McCray remains in the Jefferson County Jail. The case will next move to a grand jury for indictment. Prosecutors will likely rely heavily on the forensic evidence gathered from the Ashley Avenue duplex, the phone location data, and the autopsy results.

For the family of LaQuanta Edwards, the road to justice will be long. A murder trial can take years to reach a verdict. In the meantime, they are tasked with the impossible job of explaining this tragedy to her children and planning a funeral for a woman who was only 33 years old.

How to Help

Friends of the family are reportedly organizing support for Edwards’ children. In times of such sudden loss, financial burdens for funeral costs and childcare can be overwhelming. Community members looking to assist are encouraged to look for verified GoFundMe accounts or reach out to local victim assistance programs in Jefferson County.

Beaumont Police Department Contact: Anyone who may have additional information regarding the timeline of events on the night of December 4, or who witnessed any suspicious activity near Ashley Avenue or Tyrrell Park, is urged to contact the Beaumont Police Department at 409-832-1234. You can also submit anonymous tips to Southeast Texas Crime Stoppers at 409-833-TIPS.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Laughter and Love

The headline will read that LaQuanta Edwards known as Alie Katt murdered in Beaumont, but her story is written in the hearts of those she left behind. She was the girl who snuck out to run the streets with her best friends. She was the stylist who made women feel beautiful. She was the mother who worked hard for her children.

As the investigation continues, the memory of “Alie Katt” will serve as a reminder of the light she brought to Beaumont—a light that no act of violence can fully extinguish.

Rest in peace, Alie Katt.

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Summary of Key Facts:

• Victim: LaQuanta Edwards (33), known as “Alie Katt.”

• Location of Discovery: Near Tyrrell Park, Beaumont, TX.

• Date Found: Friday, December 5, 2025.

• Cause of Death: Apparent stab wounds (homicide).

• Suspect: Thaddeaus McCray (34).

• Charges: Murder (Bond: $1,500,000).

• Community Reaction: Grief, shock, balloon releases, and social media tributes to her resilience and spirit.