MANSFIELD, Texas - The Mansfield Police Department announced four officers have been recognized by the North Texas Police Chiefs' Association as Officers of the Quarter for their work on a complex homicide and kidnapping investigation.
Detective Vinnola, Detective Billingsley, Detective Perez, and Senior Sergeant Hewitt received the honor following their investigation into a January 31, 2026 case that began as a suspicious death call.
Investigators later determined the incident involved a homicide, the kidnapping of a 4-year-old child, and the theft of the victim’s vehicle.
Authorities said the officers launched a rapid multi-state investigation that tracked both the suspect and stolen vehicle across state lines.
The investigation ultimately led to the safe recovery of the kidnapped child in Missouri and the arrest of the suspect by Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers following the issuance of an AMBER Alert.
The department praised the officers for their professionalism, urgency, and commitment throughout the investigation, saying their work was critical in resolving the tragic case and safely recovering the child.
Police officials encouraged the community to congratulate the four officers on the recognition.
