Real Estate Agent Murdered In Model Home

Sarah Anne Walker was living a life any aspiring career-woman would love to have. At forty-years-old, Sarah had established a strong foundation for herself and her family. The mother of two was working as a well-known real estate agent in Texas and had recently launched an infomercial.

Her latest business venture involved selling homes for DR Horton in Texas. But the endeavor would be her last. On July 8, 2006, Sarah was brutally murdered. Someone stabbed Sarah twenty-seven times, ultimately killing her.

Police say she was camped-out at a model home she had been showing to prospective home-buyers. But instead of finding a dream home, a couple visiting the model house found Sarah's dead body. Cops say the murder must have happened in broad daylight. The couple found her body at around 1:30 p.m. and police say Sarah was last seen alive just about 30 minutes before that time. It's hard to imagine who could have done such a horrible thing. But police are working around the clock to answer that question.

The Investigation -- Before Death, After Death

Cops say they have two teams working this case. One team is learning everything they can about Sarah -- that way they're sure to find out who may have done this. At this point in the investigation, cops say it's unclear whether Sarah knew her killer or not.

Another team of investigators is taking a closer look at evidence or any clues that may have been left behind following the murder.

Investigators say this isn't the first time Sarah found herself in a dangerous situation. Cops working this case say they've learned that in October 2005,  Walker called police to report a theft and disturbance. Police say when they arrived at Walker's apartment she told them she could not remember what happened.

As investigators try to find out who killed Sarah, they've uncovered a major clue. As a real estate agent, Sarah had to dress the part -- often buying herself flashy jewelry and expensive clothing. Now cops want to know if her high-class lifestyle played a part in her brutal murder.

The day before she died, cops say Sarah bought herself a Rolex watch worth nearly six-thousand-dollars. Police say she also bought a David Yurman ring that day, which was also missing from the crime scene. On the day she died, Sarah was seen wearing both pieces of jewelry. But how do cops know that?

Just before she was killed, Sarah stopped at a bank.There, a surveillance camera captured images of her wearing the gold and silver Rolex as well as the ring. But when investigators were called to the crime scene, the watch and ring were gone.

Here at AMW, we know things that are stolen from crime scenes are often pawned. So we're sending out a special alert to pawn shop owners and patrons. Every day Sarah's killer walks free is another day of torment for her family. The watch has a roman numeral dial and a gold and silver jubilee bracelet. Take a look at the pictures on our Web site to see exactly how the watch looks. Police are still trying to uncover the details of the ring.

New Clues, New Hope

Also, on July 22, 2006, police announced the latest clue in the case. They say they are certain the suspect has a cut on his or her palm.

In a special interview with AMW, Sarah's sister spoke with our producers. Jackie Mull said she wants people to know that her sister was an amazing, charismatic person. Mull says she can't imagine who would do such a horrible thing to Sarah. Now Sarah's family is asking for help and they want to put her killer behind bars.

The latest clue in the case came on August 18, 2006. The McKinney Police Department released a composite sketch of a man who cops say may have been in the area the day Sarah was murdered. Police say the Asian male was driving a white, newer model Ford Mustang. Police say they want to talk to the man because he may have witnessed something.

The reward for new information in this case is at an all-time high. Various groups and individuals continue to contribute to the reward fund. As of August 25, 2006, reward money reached a total of $50,000.

Man Arrested In Model Home Murder

Police say a man is behind bars in connection with the brutal murder of Sarah Anne Walker.

Kosoul Chanthakoummane is in custody on a charge of capitol murder. Investigators who arrested Chanthakoummane at his Dallas home late Tuesday, September 5, 2006, tell AMW that crime scene DNA, detective work and witness statements helped lead to his arrest.

A couple looking to buy a home at the McKinney, TX development where Sarah had been working found her body in a model home in July 2006. Police say she had been stabbed 27 times and fought for her life during the attack.

While Chanthakoummane is behind bars on $1 million bond, police are not yet saying how, or if, he knew Sarah. However, investigators tell AMW that he has a record. Police say that the suspect had been on parole following a stay at a North Carolina correctional facility. AMW  is working to learn more about Chanthakoummane's trouble with the law.

A few weeks ago the McKinney Police Department released a composite sketch. Detectives say the image prompted tips that led to the arrest.