The Chambers County Sheriff's Office said Steven Wayne McDowell was found guilty and sentenced to 50 years for the strangulation murder of his ex-wife, Crystal McDowell, a Baytown realtor.
Her disappearance was somewhat interwoven with the larger tragedy of Hurricane Harvey. That was until, police say, the 38-year-old's ex-husband confessed to her murder.
According to authorities, the prominent realtor was last seen just before Harvey's landfall.
At the time, Crystal was staying with her ex and their kids as her home was remodeled.
Her Mercedes Benz was later located in a flooded motel parking lot four days later and after Harvey hit.
READ MORE: Sheriff: Baytown realtor's murder unravels in tearful confession by ex-husband
Sheriff: Ex-husband makes 'tearful' confession in murder