An arrest warrant revealed new information after the arrest of Rudy Vallejos, III, 21, of Lubbock for the murder of Marian King.
King was found dead on July 15 at his home in the 6800 block of 19th Street. King’s death was first described as suspicious. Later Lubbock Police described it as a homicide.
King’s family began to check on him after not hearing from him in a few days. That led to the discovery that he had been shot and killed.
King’s truck, wallet, cell phone, and 9 mm handgun were missing. Police tracked King’s debit card to a particular man who was then questioned.
The warrant said Vallejos reached out to the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Department during the investigation to say that police officers had questioned “the wrong man” and he was actually the one to shoot and kill King.
But then, according to the warrant, Vallejos called back to say he had lied and his real name was Sonny Lopez. Police quickly figured out he was not Sonny Lopez.
Police also discovered that Vallejos texted a woman.
“[She] received a text message from Rudy Vallejos stating that he told the cops it was him,” the warrant said.
On July 19, police were able to reach Vallejos by phone.
“He advised he was the one that shot Marian King,” the warrant said. “Vallejos provided detail that was pertinent to the investigation that only the individual responsible for the death could provide.”
On July 24, police revealed publicly that a warrant was issued for Vallejos. He was arrested Wednesday by U.S. Marshals in the 2300 block of 70th street.
A police statement on Wednesday said, “While Vallejos was armed at the time of his arrest, he was safely taken into custody by U.S. Marshals on scene.”
Vallejos remained in the Lubbock County Detention Center Thursday on a $300,000 bond.