The Sheriff's Son - Lesson Learned

I remember as a young girl in the sixties and seventies, hearing my folks talk of this murder and how even back then, the sheriff's son was a suspect. They believed a coverup had taken place in order to spare him. It was the typical small town power of corruption that people summed it up to. Then when Butch Campsey took office in the eighties, he reopened the investigation/cold case but for some reason, it never went anywhere. I always believed someone, somewhere had stopped it. I will definitely purchase this book to read all the details of this murder mystery finally solved.

What is the name of the book and who is the author, i'd like to buy it too. My parents also would tell us stories about alot of the so called society families from Medina County and how alot of them really came into their money and properties.

Claudette Covey was kidnapped February 14th, 1961 from Hondo. She was 14 years old.
Last seen on Ave. M near the Lutheran Church. On Holloween evening (Oct. 1961) her body was found on the Bailey farm 8 miles from Hondo off the Yancey Highway. She had been shot twice in the back of the head.

that is sad that happen noone should ever feel that pain but sad we do i would like to get that book also if you could put the name of it did they ever find out who did it an didi he ever do time for it

Butch Campsey and I wrote this book to hopefully heal some old wounds in the community. Sheriff Campsey tried his best for 16 years to get people to come forward and talk about the1961 Covey murder. Since the suspect was Sheriff Hitzfelder's son, people were afraid to talk. now that Sheriff Charlie and his son have passed--many people finally came forward. We spent one year researching and talking to previuosly relcutant witnesses. Since their fears were now over, we think that we have finally found some truth, and the Covey family can have some peace. Foe more information, go to www.thesheriffsson.com Thank you, Wayne Skarka, Author--The Sheriff's Son, Lesson's Learned.

that is so sad!! I would read it

if you order the book now before it is released, you will get free shipping. I did and I can't wait to get it. I've always liked murder mysteries, but this one which happened right here in our town, is a book to keep for always. I was wondering what had happened to the sheriff's son after he moved off.

hmmm wrote:

What is the name of the book and who is the author, i'd like to buy it too. My parents also would tell us stories about alot of the so called society families from Medina County and how alot of them really came into their money and properties.

I met Wayne Skarka in 1978. At the time Wayne worked for the Brazoria County Sheriff's Department as a homicide investigator. Wayne learned about the re-opening of Claudette Carolyn covey murder case of 1961, and in 1978 we met for the first time. Wayne has spent countless hours of work and research in preparation for this book. Wayne has done a great job of writing THE SHERIFF'S SON-LESSONS LEARNED.Now! It's time for the story to be told.

Donald (Butch) Campsey
Former Sheriff of Medina County
1977--1984

First I want to say Thank you, to Wayne Skarka for taking the time to write this book, so that everyone will finally know the truth about what has happened. Next I want everyone to know that Butch Campsey is the most wonderful man, kind,dedicated,HONEST, and over all caring man. Butch came into my families lives when I was 7 years old, he came and reopend the case on my Aunt Claudette and that man gave his life to this case, he did everything a person could to bring closure for our family. Butch has become part of our family til this day Butch has been there for my family. For this we love him and respect all he has done. If the prior sheriff would have been like Butch, then my aunt would still be alive today! She was murdered, at 14 years old! And then had to lay dead in a field for months, what kind of monster can do another human like that??!! My mother was 10 years old when this happened, and I was 14... when we finally were able to bury my aunt, this shows you just how long that monster kept my aunt from my family. I had to watch my grandfather cry as they buried his daughter! I pray that everyone will read this book so you will know the kind of monster that was right there in that small town. Again Thank you to Wayne and Butch, I have nothing but the upmost respect for both of you men!
Lisa,

Congratulations on the book Wayne.

MESSAGE FOR LISA wrote:

LISA WHO IS YOUR MOTHER. I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR SALLY I WENT TO SCHOOL WITH HER AND WE USE TO BE VERY CLOSE. I REALY WOULD LIKE TO BE IN TOUCH WITH HER AGAIN. THE ONLY OTHER SISTER I REMEMBER SALLY HAVING WAS RITA. PLEASE LET ME KNOW. LAST TIME I TALKED TO SALLY SHE WAS UP NEAR COLLEAGE STATION AND WAS MARRIED TO A DENTIST I THINK. WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU. THANKS
AND YES I REMEMBER SALLY TELLING ME THE STORE BEHIND HER SISTERS DEATH.

I'm sad to say we lost my Aunt Sally to cancer this past November, yes she was here close to College Station and married to a dentist with 5 wonderful children. Aunt Sally was only 49, and my mother is Shirley and of course there is Aunt Rita and then there was the oldest Barbara which we lost her to cancer as well just 2 years ago. I wish you could have found her sooner,
Sorry,

I want you all to know how very proud of my father, Butch Campsey! As a child and in to my teenage years, my father was haunted by this case and has NEVER stopped seeking justice for this little girl lost and her family! I hope that everyone who reads this blog and knows about this book buys it and recommends to everyone they know to buy it as well. I am very proud of my daddy and wayne for having the courage to put down in words the knowledge they have about this case and hopefully the Covey family will finally have some closure to this case! Rest in peace, Claudette Carolyn Covey.

Liza thanks for leting me know about Sally. I guess my heart was tring to tell me something because she had been on my mind for a very long time. I just did know how to get a hold of any one for information about her. This has sadden me very much. I am very sorry that I was not able to get a hold of her sooner. Again thank you for letting me know, the best to you and your family and all your aunts. Take care.

I was only 7 years old when my sister Claudette was murdered but all of my memories of her are good ones. Thanks to 2 special and very dedicated men, Butch Campsey and Wayne Skarka, I believe Claudette has finally gotten her justice! We have nothing but love and respect for you, Butch. You were our hope and you never quit trying!! And Wayne Skarka, I look forward to the honor of meeting you soon. We can never thank you enough. We would also like to say Thank You to Frank Perkins for all of his help through the years. Soon everyone will know the despicable and evil animals that took my sister from us. As for the "good people" of Hondo who were too scared to speak up for a defenseless 14 year old girl, all I can say is YOU should have felt our FEAR and PAIN!!! There is a big sign in Hondo that reads "This is God's Country" maybe it should have read "This is Charlie's Country"!!!

I just want to say I am so sorry for what happen to your sister Claudette.I remember as a child my parents talking bout what a mean person Charlie H.was.My mom told me a story bout how Charlie arrested my dad and then released him to his dog.C.H.asked my dad to wrestle his dog.My dad replied''you wrestle with the dog first''and of course since my dad wasnt stupid enough to do it C.H.back off.MY MOM SAYS MY DAD WAS NOT GONNA LET HIM INTIMIDATE MY DAD.I also remb.Butch comming over to our house to visit;HE WAS A VERY NICE MAN-HE WAS MY DADS FRIEND.

I clearly remember when Butch ran for Sheriff. My oldest son, 6 years old at the time, made a sign and put it out in his grandfathers yard, asking people to vote for Butch Campsey for Sheriff. I always thought it was amazing that such a small child could see the goodness of a man. No politics, just instinct. And thank you Butch for personally calling and thanking that 6 year old boy the very night you were elected! I guess there's a thousand stories that could be told. We are so very happy that you and Wayne helped the Covey family as I know you helped so many others.

Sorry to hear about Sally, i went to school with her Rita you knew my brother Joe. I'm glad
to hear about the book and I will buy it and
pass it on, so readers can put their minds to rest
about such a trajedy. RIP Claudette

MESSAGE FOR LISA wrote:

LISA WHO IS YOUR MOTHER. I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR SALLY I WENT TO SCHOOL WITH HER AND WE USE TO BE VERY CLOSE. I REALY WOULD LIKE TO BE IN TOUCH WITH HER AGAIN. THE ONLY OTHER SISTER I REMEMBER SALLY HAVING WAS RITA. PLEASE LET ME KNOW. LAST TIME I TALKED TO SALLY SHE WAS UP NEAR COLLEAGE STATION AND WAS MARRIED TO A DENTIST I THINK. WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU. THANKS
AND YES I REMEMBER SALLY TELLING ME THE STORE BEHIND HER SISTERS DEATH.

Sally Covey died in 2009.

Just read Sally obit. She died in 2009. lwb