Titan the dog helps Texas police catch killer

( NewsNation ) — A dog named Titan was quoted as one of the keys to solving his owner's 2023 murder, according to Texas investigators.

Newly released police body cam footage shows Titan in action trying to get officers' attention. Investigators said the dog's loyal actions and refusal to leave its owner's side set off an important chain of events.

"The keys to this case were a heroic and loyal dog named Titan and extraordinary cooperation between law enforcement agencies in multiple jurisdictions and states. That combination has delivered justice for Mandy and safety from a violent and dangerous criminal," the McLennan County District Attorney's Office said.

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Mandy Rose Reynolds killing Derek Joseph Daigneault, 29, of Wichita, Kansas, was sentenced to life in prison Friday for killing his cousin Mandy Rose Reynolds in April 2023. The 26-year-old woman's body was discovered by police, burning inside a plastic container in a field in Robinson, Texas.

However, Reynold's body was burned beyond recognition upon discovery.

"The fact that Titan stayed there where Mandy's body had been was really the key fact in getting the ball rolling toward who had committed the crime," Calvert said.

Nearby, a white dog barked frantically at the officers and refused to leave the area or let them capture it, police said. It wasn't until the following morning when a local resident noticed the dog sitting in the spot where the woman's body was burning that Robinson Animal Control was called and recovered the dog.

"(Officers) instantaneously recognized from the behavior of the dog that that dog goes with that person," McLennan County District Attorney Ryan Calvert said.

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Microchipped dog leads to suspect The dog was identified as Titan and had been microchipped, informing them Titan belonged to Reynolds. The Robinson Police were informed of this development, and an investigation into whether the unidentified body could be Reynolds ensued.

Police confirmed the deceased was Reynolds after discovering her home in San Marcos, Texas, was empty and her possessions were missing. Dental records and an autopsy confirmed her identity to police.

Robinson Police identified Daigneault, Reynold's cousin, as a suspect early in the investigation and found evidence to link him to the Wichita, Kansas area.

According to the press release, investigators discovered a handgun in Daigneault's vehicle that matched shell casings found at the scene. Daigneault was also captured on video buying a plastic storage container, shovel and gas can the day before Reynolds' discovery at a local Walmart.

Police arrested Daigneault and he was convicted of Reynolds' murder and sentenced to life in prison.

Reynolds' family said they were heartbroken but thankful that justice had been served.

As for Titan, the day after he was found, Reynolds' best friend adopted him and has since confirmed he is doing great.