Wanted Sexual Assault Suspect Sought in Wife's Disappearance Arrested

June 25, 2009 - A suspect wanted and charged in a January sexual assault of a female as well as being identified as a person of interest in his wife’s disappearance two years ago is now in custody.

On Wednesday (June 24), members of the Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force and the HPD Sex Crimes Unit arrested the suspect, Raven Ryon Lovings (b/m, DOB: 10-7-64), at a northeast side location without incident.    

Lovings is charged with sexual assault in the 179th State District Court for the rape of a 27-year-old woman at Lovings’ residence at 7000 Conley on January 19.  Lovings was also wanted for questioning by homicide investigators in the disappearance of his wife, Krystal Cashew, 24.  During questioning with investigators following his arrest, Lovings stated Krystal is “alive” in his heart. 

HPD Homicide Division Sergeant B. Harris and Officer D. Shorten reported:

The HPD Missing Persons Unit has been conducting an investigation in Ms. Cashew’s case since she was last reported seen on July 31, 2007.  Investigators learned she was mentally handicapped and was in an abusive relationship with her husband, Lovings.  Witnesses reported sightings of Lovings tearing down Missing Persons flyers of his wife as late as January of this year.  Since she was last seen, Ms. Cashew has not had any involvement with law enforcement or taken part in any activity or transactions with her bank.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Krystal Cashew is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

Update  JFC/VHS
JFC/JC  6-10-09
Inc #124089207

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200 .