UNSOLVED, STILL OPEN: From accident to murder: Tenberg case remains unsolved

Kenneth Ray Tenberg, 50, was found dead in his 1983 Ford pick up truck Wednesday, November 20, 1996.   The initial report from Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Mike Gibson, stated Tenberg was found in his vehicle around 8:30 a.m., the victim of a one vehicle accident.  Gibson explained Tenberg’s vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed on Half League Road (Farm to Market 3084) when he came to a T intersection on McDonald Road and continued without stopping.  He then struck a ditch where his vehicle vaulted and was airborne for 90 feet before landing in a field.  Gibson also reported the weather conditions were wet and foggy.  An autopsy was ordered. 

Sometime later, Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), after revealing the accident was staged, declared Tenberg’s death a homicide and opened an investigation into his death. 

The last time Tenberg was seen alive was around 10:45 or 11 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19, 1996, at the Pure Country Bar at the intersection of Texas Highway 316 and 238.  CCSO believes Tenberg was the victim of an assault by unknown person(s) at another location and placed in his truck in the field to make it appear he was in an accident. 

This case remains unsolved.  If you have any information on the homicide of Kenneth Ray Tenberg, please contact Calhoun County Crime Stoppers at 361-552-2274.  All tips are anonymous.