A five-hour standoff between law enforcement and a man suspected of involvement in two homicides that occurred in Lubbock, Texas, ended peacefully last Thursday, thanks to the work of local law enforcement and the U.S. Marshal’s Office.
David Wayne Bethel, 39, was taken into custody along with Kristena Theony, 45, on Nov. 12 after Bethel’s vehicle was spotted by a trooper with the Department of Public Safety at the Golden Inn, located at 2596 Navajo Blvd. in Holbrook. When the occupants of the hotel room refused to respond, the hotel was evacuated and the surrounding streets were blocked off as the DPS SWAT team was called in and began negotiations.
According to the U.S. Marshal’s Office, Bethel had been sought in connection with two homicides that occurred Oct. 31. That morning Lubbock County emergency personnel responded to reports of a vehicle fire. Once the fire was extinguished, investigators discovered the body of Shawn Summers inside, as well as several bullet holes in the vehicle. Later that morning Jessica Payton was found shot to death in an east Lubbock creek. Payton was the girlfriend of Mark Bethel, 53, David’s cousin, and investigators believe that Summers and Payton were in a romantic relationship, and that Mark Bethel had become aware of the relationship. Mark Bethel was arrested in connection with the deaths and a warrant was issued for David Bethel’s arrest.
After surrendering to law enforcement, Bethel and Thoeny were booked into the Navajo County Jail. Thoeny was charged with possession of a prescription-only drug. Bethel will be extradited to Texas to face felony murder charges.
