A 60-year-old Texas man accused of killing three people and injuring two others was arrested after he was found hiding in a wooded area with a swastika on his forehead, authorities said.
Michael Wettstein was charged Tuesday with capital murder after allegedly carrying out shootings at three locations.
According to the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, the shooting began Monday when Wettstein fatally shot Richard Lamm, 56, and Misty Herndon, 38. Wettstein is also accused of shooting Herndon’s dog. The condition of the dog is unclear.
He is then accused of going to another house and fatally shooting at Bruce Mercer, 59.
Wettstein later visited a third home and got into an argument with Marvin Rumley and his adult daughter, Amanda, over her dog before shooting the father and daughter, authorities said.
Both Rumleys were transported by air to a nearby hospital in Houston. Their conditions were not clear.
The sheriff’s office did not provide a motive for the shooting, but said Wettstein was known in the area for “rations” about the dogs being allowed to roam free.
He was arrested Monday, armed with a rifle and rifle, hidden in nearby woods with a swastika drawn on his forehead. He is being held without restraint on a charge of capital murder in the Liberty County Jail, according to inmate records.
He could be charged with additional offenses if the investigation continues, according to the sheriff’s office.
Court records were not available and it is unclear whether Wettstein has a lawyer.
