Arrest near in beachgoer's 2007 slaying

Bridgette Geren found dead on Crystal Beach on July 15, 2007

GALVESTON COUNTY, Texas – Detectives said they are close to arresting at least one person in connection with a beachgoer's rape and death.

Bridgette Geren's body was found on Crystal Beach on July 15, 2007. Galveston County sheriff's deputies said she had been raped, beaten and strangled.

"Her worst nightmare was what happened," said Pamela Kimball, Geren's mother.

Geren, 28, had been enjoying a weekend on the beach with friends, co-workers and her 2-year-old daughter.

"I love my mommy so much," said Geren's daughter, Kyra, who is now 7 years old. "It makes me sad that I could only see her the first two years of my life. Whenever I talk about her or think about her, I start crying."

Investigators said Geren was walking down the beach when a small, dark-colored SUV drove up next to her. She was pulled inside the vehicle, officials said.

"I've worked a lot of major cases, and the nature of what occurred on this beach in 2007 is by far one of the most horrific cases I've ever worked," Lt. Tommy Hanson said.

Five years after her death, detectives said they are inching closer to an arrest.

"Let them know -- We're coming," Hanson said. "We're coming hard. We're going to be relentless in this case."

Kyra said she hopes someone will turn her mother's killer or killers in.

"Please help me and my family put these guys in jail," she said. "Thank you and I love my mom."

The FBI is involved in the case. A $25,000 reward has been offered for information leading to an arrest and charged being filed.

Anyone with information is asked to call Galveston County Crime Stoppers at 409-763-TIPS.