A report of a missing woman in Wichita Falls led police to a grim discovery and the arrest of a man now charged with her murder.
Authorities say the woman’s unexplained absence from work triggered the investigation that ultimately resulted in Matison Johnathan Preville, Jr., 20, being taken into custody.
Victim Failed to Show Up for Work
According to Sergeant Brett Keith with the Wichita Falls Police Department (WFPD), the case began on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, when a co-worker reported the woman missing after she failed to report to work without calling ahead—an unusual behavior for her.
The woman, believed to be in her 20s, has not yet been publicly identified, pending family notification.
Police were immediately concerned due to the out-of-character disappearance, and WFPD detectives launched an active investigation by the following morning, Wednesday, June 18.
Phone Ping Leads to Tragic Discovery
Detectives used technology to track the victim’s cellphone, which eventually pinged in a remote field in the Cashion area. Officers responded to the location and tragically discovered the woman’s deceased body in the field.
Police have not released details about the cause of death, but the discovery turned the missing person case into a homicide investigation.
Suspect Was Last Seen with Victim
Investigators quickly zeroed in on Matison Preville, Jr., who they say was the last person known to be with the victim before her disappearance.
Authorities noted that Preville and the woman had a personal relationship, although the nature of the relationship was not specified.
During the investigation, detectives reported inconsistencies in Preville’s account of events. These discrepancies, combined with other evidence gathered by WFPD, led detectives to obtain a warrant for his arrest.
Murder Arrest Made at Wichita Falls Apartment
In the early morning hours of Thursday, June 19, 2025, WFPD officers executed the murder warrant at the Mustang Village Apartments.
Preville was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Wichita County Jail, where he is now being held on a $1 million bond.
Authorities have not disclosed whether any additional suspects are being investigated or if Preville has retained legal representation.
The tragic death of a young woman and the subsequent arrest of a man she knew has left the Wichita Falls community in shock.
While police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding her murder, the swift action following her missing person report highlights the importance of early reporting and dedicated detective work.
As the investigation progresses, police are expected to release more details, including the identity of the victim and additional findings from the crime scene.
For now, the community mourns the loss of a life cut short, as authorities work toward justice.