A Rockwall County jury has convicted a Rowlett resident of murdering his mother and sentenced him to life in prison, following a four-day trial that revealed harrowing details of the crime and its aftermath.
Jeffrey Bennett Flowers, 46, was found guilty of killing his 72-year-old mother, Jeanette Flowers, in her Terra Lago Court home. Judge Brett Hall of the 382nd Judicial District Court presided over the case. Jurors heard extensive evidence, including DNA results, phone records, and witness testimony that tied Flowers to the murder.
The case began when Rowlett police officers conducted a welfare check and discovered Jeanette dead in her home. Investigators determined she had been stabbed about ten times with an unknown object. They also found signs that efforts had been made to clean the crime scene, according to prosecutors.
Witnesses testified that Flowers and his mother had been arguing before her death, and neighbors had not seen him since the estimated time of the attack. Tollway records later showed his car leaving the area shortly after the murder. Investigators also discovered the license plate on his vehicle was swapped for a stolen paper tag soon afterward.
Phone records revealed both Jeffrey and Jeanette’s phones traveled together after her death until hers stopped transmitting. Shortly after, Flowers wrecked his vehicle near Dallas’ Central Expressway and was seen fleeing the scene on foot.
He then stole a pickup truck at a Dallas gas station. Police were able to track the stolen truck because the owner’s phone was still inside. The vehicle was eventually located in Freestone County, more than 100 miles south of Rockwall. Officers with the Fairfield Police Department found Flowers asleep in the truck and arrested him without incident.
DNA testing provided a crucial link. Samples taken from the crime scene and from under Jeanette’s fingernails matched Jeffrey Flowers, further solidifying the case against him.
During the trial, jurors heard testimony from multiple agencies, including detectives from Rowlett Police, Texas Rangers, and Dallas Police. Forensic and evidentiary experts also detailed the investigative process.
“Jeanette Flowers was stolen from her loved ones by the actions of her own son, who she only ever tried to help,” said Assistant District Attorney Marcia Taylor, the lead prosecutor. “The efforts of law enforcement, digital and medical professionals, as well as family and neighbors working together solved this heinous crime, giving some resolution to those who cared the most for Jeanette.”
District Attorney Kenda Culpepper added, “It took an entire criminal justice network to ensure that Jeffrey Flowers answered for his monstrous actions.”