NPD INVESTIGATING HOMICIDE

Additional Information added 11:05am: The victim in the homicide case has been identified as Gilbert Joseph Thibodeaux, age 32 of Nacogdoches.

     Nacogdoches Police are investigating a homicide that occurred last night at a residence in the 300 block of Myrtle Street.

     At 11:18 pm last night, officers were called to a suspicious person call at Nacogdoches Floral Company on North Street. A male and female were observed placing some items in the dumpster of the business and leaving the scene in a pickup truck. Upon checking the dumpster, officers found some items that appeared to have blood on them. A description of the truck was obtained and a search was launched.

     At approximately 1:07 am this morning, a Nacogdoches Police Officer on patrol located the truck in the parking lot of Walgreens, located at North Street and East Austin. Upon checking the vehicle, officers located the body of a male inside the vehicle.

     The deceased is a 32 year old man from Nacogdoches. His identity is being withheld at this time pending notification of next of kin. He appeared to be the victim of an assault. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Justice of the Peace LeAnn Goerner.

     The investigation led officers to a residence in the 300 block of Myrtle Street. At the residence, officers found evidence of an assault in the driveway. Officers have two suspects in custody for this murder.

     In custody is Erin Leann Belz, age 26 of Nacogdoches and Randy Ellinwood, age 31 of Nacogdoches. The investigation indicates that the victim and the suspects were acquainted, and that the victim went to the Myrtle Street address where he was assaulted. It is believed that the suspects drove the victim to Walgreens parking lot. The pickup truck involved belongs to the victim.

     “Officers and Detectives worked throughout the night and early morning on this case. Through their hard work, they were able to bring this homicide to a successful conclusion”, said Sgt. Greg Sowell of the Nacogdoches Police Department.

     The investigation is continuing in the case at this time.