Dennis Matlock

The Texas Department of Public Safety is asking for the public’s help in solving a 2002 murder in Cherokee County.

Dennis Matlock, 44, was found deceased in his residence in Reklaw, a small town near Rusk in Cherokee County on Jan. 16, 2002. An autopsy revealed Matlock died from a combination of injuries, including blunt force and stab wounds.

The reward for information that leads to the arrest of those responsible has been increased from $3,000 to $6,000 and is offered for information that leads to the arrest of those responsible, if the tip is received within the next month. The case is among many the Department of Public Safety is featuring on its cold case website. 

Matlock was a long-time resident of Cherokee County and is survived by his mother, as well as extended family in the Cherokee County area. 

No arrests have been made in the case. The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Rangers are investigating. 

Individuals also can submit information through the Texas Ranger Cold Case Website by visiting dps.texas.gov/TexasRangers/UnsolvedHomicides, or by calling the DPS Missing Persons Hotline at 1-800-346-3243. 

To be eligible for the cash rewards, tipsters must provide information to authorities by calling the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477). All tips are anonymous.