Texas Rangers look for new tips in Mason County cold case
James Charles Schuessler was found dead in his home in Mason County in October 2001. Texas Rangers are still investigating and hope an increased reward for tips will bring some heat to the cold case. Texas Department of Public Safety photo
On Oct. 14, 2001, 46-year-old James Charles Schuessler was found dead in his Mason County home with mortal wounds to his head. Now, 24 years later, the Texas Department of Public Safety is hoping to bring some heat to the cold case with a $6,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
“The Texas Rangers, local law enforcement and the community have not given up hope of finding out what happened to Schuessler,” reads a DPS media release issued Oct. 14, 2025.
According to DPS reports, investigators believe Schuessler was meeting with someone at his home when an altercation broke out between them, leading to the life-ending injuries.
The DPS’ Texas Rangers investigative branch is offering $6,000 for any tip leading to the arrest of those responsible for Schuessler’s death. The money will be available until the publication of DPS’ next featured cold case, which is typically mid-month and end of month.
Tips must be submitted via the following methods:
- Call the Texas Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-8477.
- Go online and select “Cold Cases Featured” and “Cold Case-Texas Rangers” in the type of crime and offense type sections, respectively.
“Schuessler’s case is actively being investigated by the Texas Rangers, and as technology has advanced in the time since his death, evidence has been retested and submitted for analysis,” the media release continues. “Several witnesses have been interviewed and provided information over the years, but no arrests have been made.”
Schuessler was a husband and a father of two. He was also a farmer, rancher, avid hunter, and a local business owner who was well-known in the Mason County area. He was last seen alive the evening before his body was discovered. He would be 70 years old this year.