Texas News

Allegations surface as woman accused of locking disabled daughter in dog kennel

Anson, TX

A 60-year-old woman is facing multiple felony charges for allegedly abusing her disabled daughter. Kandy Thompson is accused of keeping her 22-year-old special-needs daughter confined in a dog kennel in the backyard.

Thompson was taken into custody on Tuesday following an investigation that began on Saturday when a neighbor reported concerns to the Anson Police Department. The neighbor filmed Thompson’s actions, which added significant evidence to the case.

The footage reveals Thompson locking her daughter in a chain-link kennel covered with a tarp while the victim reportedly expresses fear. During the exchange, Thompson appears to justify her actions, stating the confinement is due to the daughter’s behavior.

Police arrived shortly after the incident was recorded and found the victim in distress. The daughter reportedly indicated she felt worthless and that confinement occurred frequently.

Initially released from custody on Monday, Thompson was arrested again on Tuesday after further investigations. The Anson Police Department conducted additional interviews and assessed all evidence, leading to extra charges.

In addition to aggravated kidnapping and injury to a disabled individual, Thompson faces charges of child endangerment and assault causing bodily injury.

Reports indicate that Thompson and her late husband fostered over 50 special-needs children in the last decade. However, the Texas Department of Family Protective Services noted they did not foster any children through the department.

As of Wednesday morning, Thompson was held without bond. The next court appearance date is not currently available.

Texas man arrested for allegedly burning roommate alive

Amarillo, TX

A Texas man faces murder charges for allegedly setting his roommate on fire while the victim was still alive. The incident occurred at a trailer park on October 27, leading to the discovery of a dead body inside an RV trailer.

First responders arrived at 4:53 a.m. to find the trailer engulfed in flames. After extinguishing the blaze, they found the body of 46-year-old James Sosa inside.

Witnesses reported seeing an individual fleeing the scene just before the smoke appeared. Authorities identified Sosa, and an autopsy revealed signs that he was alive during the fire.

Luis Angel Rico, also 46, returned to the scene later that day and claimed he last saw Sosa watching TV and burning a candle between 1 a.m. and 2:30 a.m. Rico stated he noticed smoke coming from the direction of the trailer but assumed Sosa was still inside.

When he found the trailer ablaze, he attempted to call 911 but heard sirens approaching already. Law enforcement questioned Rico, who denied involvement in the fire.

Officers noted he smelled of gasoline and had soot on his hands. Rico was arrested after police found four fentanyl tablets in his possession.

Further investigation indicated the presence of an accelerant on Rico’s clothing. He has been charged with murder and is currently held in the Potter County Jail without bond.

Man pleads guilty to manslaughter for beating wheelchair-bound victim to death

Houston, TX

Hayden Humphreys pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the death of Rudy Ricky Diaz, a 38-year-old wheelchair user. The incident occurred on July 23, 2022, in the 18000 block of McKay Drive.

Humphreys claimed he acted in self-defense after Diaz asked him for money and stood up in a threatening manner. However, witnesses described seeing Humphreys delivering punches as Diaz lay unresponsive on the ground.

Diaz died in the hospital approximately two weeks after the beating, with an autopsy confirming blunt force trauma as the cause of death. Video footage showed Humphreys behaving erratically and appearing intoxicated shortly before the incident.

During a recorded jail call, Humphreys expressed remorse and acknowledged his state of mind that night. He was initially charged with murder but accepted a plea deal for a lesser charge, facing an eight-year prison sentence.

Benji Diaz, Rudy’s brother, criticized the sentencing, expressing a desire for a longer term for those who attack the vulnerable. The formal sentencing is scheduled for December 1, 2023.

Caregiver sentenced to 25 years for the abuse and neglect of disabled woman

New Braunfels, TX A 54-year-old caregiver has been sentenced to 25 years in a state correctional facility for the severe abuse and neglect of the disabled woman she was employed to care for. Brandy Marie Doster pleaded guilty to one count of injury to a disabled individual causing serious bodily injury.

The investigation into Doster began on May 21 when an emergency call led police to the victim’s body in a parked car. Doster’s estranged daughter reported her mother arrived at her home claiming an accident had occurred, alleging the victim was “sleeping” in the backseat.

Upon arriving at the victim’s residence, Doster’s daughter found the victim’s body wrapped in an emergency blanket. The investigation revealed Doster, a longtime family friend, had been hired on a full-time basis following the victim’s traumatic brain injury, which caused frequent seizures. While Doster had health care experience, she was not a licensed caregiver in Texas.

Initially, the victim’s family trusted Doster completely, providing her a $70,000 salary and allowing her access to the victim’s home and vehicle. Over time, Doster isolated the victim and limited family contact, claiming it was necessary for the victim’s health.

Doster’s daughter witnessed her mother abuse the victim but felt powerless to intervene. The daughter reported seeing Doster tie the victim’s hands and feet to furniture, hit her, and use a sock to muffle her screams.

During the initial police interview, Doster claimed to have memory issues, stating she “blacked out” on the night the victim died. After being confronted with medical evidence, Doster changed her story, admitting knowledge of the victim’s broken arm before her death.

The victim’s cause of death was determined to be fatal sepsis due to untreated injuries. Doster eventually acknowledged she had delayed seeking medical help, intending to drop off her dog in San Antonio despite passing multiple hospitals en route.

Doster admitted to restraining the victim for what she claimed was the victim’s safety. Investigators presented extensive evidence of ongoing abuse and neglect, highlighting a pattern of disregard for the victim’s well-being.

Texas mother sentenced to 22 years in prison for toddler’s death

WICHITA FALLS, TX A Texas mother has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for the death of her 2-year-old daughter. Sarah Elizabeth Newsom, 30, pleaded guilty to injury to a child by failing to protect resulting in serious bodily injury.

Judge Trish Coleman Byars issued the sentence on Monday. Newsom was immediately taken into custody by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.

The case centers around the death of Scarlette “Olivia” Newsom, who was severely beaten by Joshua Thomas Fulbright, 30, in October 2018. Scarlette was initially brought to Clay County Memorial Hospital by her mother, who claimed the child was suffering from the flu.

Witnesses described seeing the toddler covered in extensive bruises and unresponsive. Fulbright was later convicted of capital murder on March 10.

Prosecutors faced multiple mistrials before securing the conviction. Newsom testified during Fulbright’s trial, detailing his method of punishment, including time-outs and physical discipline.

The case garnered attention due to the horrific nature of the injuries Scarlette sustained. Newsom admitted to inflicting harm on her daughter as well.

Fulbright is appealing his conviction, claiming improper exclusion of defense testimony. Newsom’s plea deal waived her right to appeal.

The prosecutor stated the resolution to the case was made with careful thought. The community mourns the tragic loss of Scarlette as the court proceedings conclude.