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Dad of slain Houston woman charged with tampering

GALVESTON, Texas - Authorities have arrested the father of one of the two young women found dead next to a dumpster in Port Bolivar, Texas March 7 and charged him with tampering, reports CBS affiliate KHOU.

James Cosby, 46, is being held on two counts of tampering with evidence in connection with the death of his daughter, Britney Cosby, and her friend, Crystal Jackson, according to the Galveston County Sheriff's Office.

The two Houston women's bodies were found by a beer deliveryman next to a dumpster outside the Fisherman's Cove convenience store in Port Bolivar around 7:30 a.m.last Friday.

Deputies said Britney Cosby died from blunt force trauma and Jackson was shot to death. They were both 24 years old and were said to be in a relationship.

Loranda McDonald, Britney Cosby's mother, told KHOU that James Cosby was angry that his daughter was gay.

"He said it to me a few times that he did not like the idea of her being gay," said McDonald.

Evidence reportedly suggests the young women may have been killed at James Cosby's Houston home before their bodies were dumped in Bolivar. Galveston County Sheriff Henry Trochesset said authorities found blood and other evidence from the crime at his home, according to the station.

Investigators say, at this time, the father is not cooperating with authorities. He is being held in the Galveston County Jail on a $500,000 bond.

Trochesset said the man has a criminal history and is a registered sex offender.

"From my understanding he got out of prison in October," Trochesset said.

KHOU reports the investigation is ongoing and the charges against Cosby may be upgraded to capital murder. Deputies are reportedly still searching for the victims' silver Kia Sorrento.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 866-248-8477.


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