Thread: LPD Detective Lawson Charged in slaying of local man. (Morning Times 04/10/10)

LPD Detective Lawson Charged in slaying of local man.

By Kevin Hale

At a 8:00am news conference Friday morning, Lamar DA Arthur McCoy announced that Detective Terrence Lawson has been charged in the death of Tony Rodriguez. Mr. Rodriguez’s body was found in Muddy Creek last week. Mr. Rodriguez was out on parole for Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Felony Firearms Assault and Assisted Manslaughter and was brought in for suspected parole violation. DA McCoy has stated that other charges may be pending.

LPD Chief of Police, Markus Hilderman, also said that Lawson and his squad have been suspended without pay while the investigation is on-going. Internal Affairs will be looking into the conduct of Detective Lawson's squad and more indictments could be handled down. Chief Hilderman also added that “The Department's hearts go out to both families during this troubled time.”

At a separate press conference, Tony’s mother, Alicia Rodriguez, said “I hope that Lawson burns in hell for this.” The Rodriguez’s attorney, Aaron Jones, then said that “The Police are looked to protect the members of the City of Lamar, not play Judge, Jury and Executioner. "

Mr. Lawson’s attorney had no comment on any of the issues, only that the truth would come out in the trial. Lawson is out on $50,000 bail. A trial date is still pending as of this time.