Force of Nature: The Hurricane Harvey Murder of Crystal McDowell

A loving mother with a tragic past disappears during Hurricane Harvey, leading investigators to suspect the three men closest to her.

Sources:

1. 48 Hours. 1988.

2. Dateline NBC. 1992.

3. Maines, Don. “Baytown Woman’s Murder Case Is Solved – OutSmart Magazine.” OutSmart Magazine, OutSmart Magazine, 22 Aug. 2019, https://www.outsmartmagazine.com/2019/08/baytown-womans-murder-case-is-solved/.

4. “Missing Texas Real Estate Agent’s Body Found, Ex-Husband Charged with Murder - ABC News.” ABC News, https://abcnews.go.com/US/missing-texas-real-estate-agents-body-found-husband/story?id=49740114. Accessed 5 July 2026.

5. Sex and Murder. 2020.

6. “Texas Man Arrested in Ex-Wife’s Disappearance before Harvey.” The Florida Times-Union, Florida Times-Union, 10 Sept. 2017, https://www.jacksonville.com/story/news/2017/09/10/texas-man-arrested-ex-wife-s-disappearance-harvey/15772387007/.

7. Trost, Rachael. “Body of Missing Texas Realtor Crystal Seratte McDowell Found, Ex-Husband Charged With Murder.” NBC News, NBC News, 10 Sept. 2017, https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/missing-in-america/body-missing-texas-realtor-crystal-seratte-mcdowell-found-ex-husband-n800061.

8. Find A Grave, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/183205591/crystal_ann-mcdowell?__cf_chl_f_tk=_lBz2QeYUwZnZt5IHqaVURAALo8m6cT0hriG3yRzT_U-1783360528-1.0.1.1-M6vuZV6it75SuFDbO6COjbEYrYMObYbZIuPJUH_23hU. Accessed 3 July 2026.

This Week’s Episode Brought To You By:

Hers - Personalized, affordable plans for weight loss, hair, and anxiety - forhers.com/LOVEMURDER

Honeylove - Treat yourself to the best shapewear on the market and save 20% off at honeylove.com/lovemurder

Find LOVE MURDER online:

Website: lovemurder.love

Instagram: @lovemurderpod

Twitter: @lovemurderpod

Facebook: LoveMrdrPod

TikTok: @LoveMurderPod

Patreon: /LoveMurderPod

Credits: Love Murder is hosted by Jessie Pray and Andie Cassette, researched by Sarah Lynn Robinson and researched and written by Jessie Pray, produced by Nathaniel Whittemore and edited by Kyle Barbour-Hoffman

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.