AUSTIN -- It's one of the most notorious cold cases in recent Texas history: More than six years after someone burned the governor's mansion to the ground, the crime remains unsolved, even though the arsonist was caught on camera.
The Texas Department of Public Safety remains in charge of the investigation.
"Somebody out there has information that can solve this crime. They haven't come forward so far, for whatever reason, and we would urge them to come forward," said DPS spokesperson Tom Vinger.
Even Texas Gov. Rick Perry told KVUE he's surprised no one has been caught.
"You know, I am. Particularly because we had video," Perry said.
Someone set the mansion on fire in the early morning hours of June 8, 2008. Perry and his wife, Anita, were in Europe at the time. More than 100 firefighters spent six hours trying to save the mansion and the priceless pieces of artwork inside. The fire gutted the home, which was originally built in 1856.
A special commission investigated what happened and uncovered several security flaws. Among them, DPS found seven security cameras not working. Some DPS staff were also not adequately trained, and at least one DPS officer not at his post.
Two years and eight months after the fire, DPS released surveillance video showing the arsonist throwing the fire bomb into the mansion. The video shows a shadowy figure running to the front doors, lighting a Molotov cocktail, and running away.
DPS also released sketches of a possible suspect, along with this video of a man in a ball cap recorded near the mansion around the time of the fire.
MORE: Suspect sketches
MORE: Surveillance video
While the case has gone cold, DPS said that doesn't mean it has stopped looking.
"DPS has not forgotten about this particular criminal activity, and the public should not forget about it either. As a matter of fact, we could use the public's help," said Vinger.
About three months after the mansion fire, police arrested dozens of violent protesters at the 2008 Republican National Convention in Minneapolis. Of those were two Austin men, both convicted and sentenced to prison for possession of Molotov cocktails with intent to use them. DPS would not discuss whether they believe the men are connected to the mansion's fire.
Security experts said set the fire will be difficult to find. Fred Burton, a security analyst with the global intelligence firm Stratfor, based in Austin.
"Having looked for people just like that in my previous career, I know how difficult it is to try to find them," said Burton.
He said he believes it will likely take someone with inside information to crack the case.
"If you don't tell someone about your plans, it's very very difficult to have information come forward," said Burton, a former counter-terrorism agent.
It took four years and $22 million to rebuild the mansion. Since the fire, DPS installed enhanced security equipment, increased and better trained staff and blocked the road in front of the mansion.
Investigators have about four years left before the statute of limitations runs out.
There is a $50,000 reward for anyone with information that leads to an arrest. If you have tips about this crime, call Texas Crimestoppers at (800) 252-TIPS (8477) or the state fire marshal's arson hotline at (988) 252-8477.