Texas Cold Case That Inspired Oscar Film Doubles Reward Amount

The Texas Department of Public Safety has increased the reward amount for anyone who may have information on the death of Kathy Page. The reward was originally at $3,000 and has gone up to $6,000. To be eligible for the cash rewards, tipsters must provide information to authorities by calling the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477). All tips are anonymous.

Kathy Page was found strangled to death on May 14, 1991 in Vidor, Texas. Her body was found in her car in the early morning but authorities believe that she died at a different location, was cleaned up, and staged to look like it was a car accident. Her family, convinced that her husband Steve Page actually murdered her decided to take action when authorities found no leads in the case. Kathy's father, James Fulton bought billboards along Interstate 10 near Rose City in Texas that took aim at Steve Page and the Vidor Police Department who Fulton believes ignored the case.

In 1998, Martin McDonagh was traveling through Texas on I-10 when he came across the billboards. He said the image "stayed in his mind and kept gnawing at him". He initially believed that they were put up by the mother of the victim. It was then that he was inspired to write "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missourri". The film went on to win Best Actress for Frances McDormand and Best Supporting Actor for Sam Rockwell's performance.

Individuals can also submit information through the Texas Ranger Cold Case website or by contacting the DPS Missing Person's Hotline at 1-800-346-3243.