New Details in South Lubbock Apartment Fire Murder
By: Monica Yantosh
Updated: January 7, 2013
Friday, LPD arrested 22 year old Austin Hasten, a Texas Tech student, and charged him with the murder of 51-year old Michele Lisa Terry.
According to the warrant, the Lubbock Fire Department was called to 2101 82nd St. for a structure fire in apartment 305. When they entered, they found the body of 51 year old Michele Lisa Terry.
LPD was called to investigate after it seemed the death was suspicious.
The warrant also says Terry had visible injuries, "which appeared to have been caused by a cutting insturment."
Lubbock Fire Department reported multiple fires had been intentionally set inside apartment 305, where Terry was found.
While Police were on scene Friday night, Hasten approached one of the officers and attempted to take his gun. That led to Police taking Hasten into custody. He has been charged with assault of a public servant, attempt to take a weapon from police, and resisting arrest.
Hasten lived only two doors down from Terry, in apartment 303.
During a search of Hasten, LPD found Terry's drivers license, as well as a knife with blood on it, and a woman's watch. The warrant also states Hasten had blood on his body and soot on his face, and he smelled like gasoline.
LPD found Terry's car a few blocks away. The gas tank was closed, but the gas cap was hanging out of the closed tank door. The warrant states it is possible that Hasten siphoned gas from Terry's car.
KLBK reported Sunday that Hasten and Terry were Facebook friends. The warrant also states this fact.
LPD has not released any information as to the motive behind the murder.
Hasten is charged with murder, and is currently being held in the Lubbock County Jail on a $3 million bond.
Hasten had also been arrested December 2011 in Brazos County after running his pick up truck into an apartment complex. He also assaulted an officer, and admitted to being high on mushrooms during the ordeal.
The complex's Assistant Manger, Terry Nowonty said he's in shock from this happening in such a quiet apartment complex. "Stuff like this doesn't happen here," he said. "We're a quiet community, everyone knows each other, and we kind of look out for each other on the property."
"I'm thinking 'Ok, its winter, somebody might have left a candle burning or had a small space heater,'" said Nowonty. "This was not anything that we suspected was going on.'
Stay with EverythingLubbock.com for the latest in this investigation.
According to the warrant, the Lubbock Fire Department was called to 2101 82nd St. for a structure fire in apartment 305. When they entered, they found the body of 51 year old Michele Lisa Terry.
LPD was called to investigate after it seemed the death was suspicious.
The warrant also says Terry had visible injuries, "which appeared to have been caused by a cutting insturment."
Lubbock Fire Department reported multiple fires had been intentionally set inside apartment 305, where Terry was found.
While Police were on scene Friday night, Hasten approached one of the officers and attempted to take his gun. That led to Police taking Hasten into custody. He has been charged with assault of a public servant, attempt to take a weapon from police, and resisting arrest.
Hasten lived only two doors down from Terry, in apartment 303.
During a search of Hasten, LPD found Terry's drivers license, as well as a knife with blood on it, and a woman's watch. The warrant also states Hasten had blood on his body and soot on his face, and he smelled like gasoline.
LPD found Terry's car a few blocks away. The gas tank was closed, but the gas cap was hanging out of the closed tank door. The warrant states it is possible that Hasten siphoned gas from Terry's car.
KLBK reported Sunday that Hasten and Terry were Facebook friends. The warrant also states this fact.
LPD has not released any information as to the motive behind the murder.
Hasten is charged with murder, and is currently being held in the Lubbock County Jail on a $3 million bond.
Hasten had also been arrested December 2011 in Brazos County after running his pick up truck into an apartment complex. He also assaulted an officer, and admitted to being high on mushrooms during the ordeal.
The complex's Assistant Manger, Terry Nowonty said he's in shock from this happening in such a quiet apartment complex. "Stuff like this doesn't happen here," he said. "We're a quiet community, everyone knows each other, and we kind of look out for each other on the property."
"I'm thinking 'Ok, its winter, somebody might have left a candle burning or had a small space heater,'" said Nowonty. "This was not anything that we suspected was going on.'
Stay with EverythingLubbock.com for the latest in this investigation.
