ODESSA, Texas — UPDATE (2:06 p.m. April 16): Ector County Sheriff Mike Griffis released a statement Tuesday afternoon regarding the murder in Odessa identifying the man who was killed Monday.
The man who was killed in the 5700 block of Greenway was identified by Griffis as 74-year-old Ronald Wayne Irwin.
Griffis said there are no updates on the suspect, as of Tuesday afternoon.
The last sighting of the suspect, Griffis said, was in a pasture in Irion County near Mertzon Monday afternoon.
"This is an area in which the trees and vegetation is thick. The subject has been tentatively identified but until a confirmation is secured that information will not be released. Photos that have been obtained so far have not been of high quality.“
UPDATE (1:28 p.m. April 16): As of 12:07 p.m. Tuesday, our sister station, NewsWest 9, was informed that originally, authorities believed the homeowner was killed by gunfire.
At this time, it is unclear whether the homeowner was shot by the suspect, according to the Ector County Sheriff's Office. It has been confirmed the homeowner was "struck" by the stolen vehicle as the suspect was driving away.
An autopsy will determine the official cause of death. There's no indication of how long autopsy results will take. As information becomes available from authorities and our sister station, we will update this story.
ORIGINAL STORY: The Ector County Sheriff's Office released photos of the man suspected of a murder in Odessa, who stole a car, then led law enforcement on a chase into Irion County.
He then stole an SUV in Irion County, "totaled it," according to the SUV's owner; and is now still on the loose in the area of RM 2469 in Irion County.
Earlier Tuesday, the Texas Department of Public Safety issued a description of the suspect: a white male with blonde or light brown hair, with a thin build who was last seen wearing blue jeans and brown boots. He is armed with a firearm and considered dangerous, DPS said.
Here's what the Ector County SO posted to social media about the photos:
"Murder suspect update!!!!
The Ector County Sherriff's Office is actively working this case along with other counties. We have obtained home video from the area of the murder from yesterday. If anyone recognizes the male please contact your local law enforcement.
(this page is not being monitored for incoming tips, please call by telephone)"
This is a developing story - more information will be posted as it becomes available from authorities.
