Arrest Made in 2017 Cold Case Homicide of Kaylyn Van De Wostine

Big Bend Cold Case Task Force Continues Delivering Justice

October 03, 2025

After nearly eight years without answers, the Big Bend Cold Case Task Force has announced a major breakthrough in the 2017 homicide of 38-year-old Kaylyn Van De Wostine.

Van De Wostine was found deceased on November 3, 2017, in the 2600 block of McArthur Street. Investigators determined she died from a single gunshot wound. Despite extensive early efforts, leads in the case went cold until new forensic technology gave detectives the tools they needed to move forward.

In June 2025, the task force submitted key DNA evidence for advanced forensic testing, which provided detectives with critical new information and ultimately identified 46-year-old Akbar Beale as the individual responsible for Van De Wostine's death. Today, Beale was arrested and charged with second-degree murder.

The Big Bend Cold Case Task Force and its partner agencies remain committed to reviewing unsolved cases across the region. Families or individuals with information about unsolved crimes are encouraged to contact investigators or submit tips.

• Speak directly with a detective at 850-410-7611
• Submit anonymous tips to Crime Solvers at 850-574-TIPS
• Visit the newly launched Big Bend Cold Case Task Force website, where each case includes contact details and tip submission options