Introduction to the Case
A suspect already serving time in Texas state prison is now facing new charges in connection with the slaying of a transgender woman in 2021, according to a news release Wednesday by the Arlington Police Department.
Investigators plan to file murder charges against Arthur Morris Jr., 25, after they were able to link him to the killing four years ago of Kier Solomon, the release said.
Police said Morris was already in prison while serving a 7-year prison sentence for an unrelated aggravated robbery conviction when the murder warrant was obtained.
Solomon was shot and killed at an apartment complex in Arlington.
The Investigation
The release said investigators recovered Solomon’s phone from a car, which showed she was in communication with an unidentified individual via an app about meeting the other person at a location. Detectives determined the number was temporary and had been generated by the app.
During their investigation, detectives later found out about a similar incident that occurred two weeks prior, involving the same app and location but a different person, police said.
In that case, the suspect took items from that unidentified victim, displayed a gun, and fired a shot at that victim’s car, according to the release. Police said further investigation pointed to Morris as the suspect in that incident.
“Given the similarities in the two cases, he became a person of interest in Ms. Solomon’s murder,” the release said.
In September, investigators found an email address and a cell phone number associated with the app account that they were able to directly connect to Morris.
The release said records for that cell phone number placed Morris at the crime scene before, during and after the murder.
Current Status of the Case
Police did not disclose a motive for what led to Solomon’s slaying.
Morris is being held at the state penitentiary in Childress and will be returned to Tarrant County for his arraignment, authorities said.
Crime in The News
Conclusion
The case of Kier Solomon’s murder is a tragic reminder of the violence that transgender individuals face. The arrest of Arthur Morris Jr. brings some sense of justice to the community, but it also highlights the importance of continued support and advocacy for transgender rights. As the case moves forward, it is essential to remember the victim and her family, and to work towards creating a safer and more inclusive environment for everyone.
FAQs
Q: Who is the suspect in the murder case?
A: The suspect is Arthur Morris Jr., a 25-year-old man who is already serving a 7-year prison sentence for an unrelated aggravated robbery conviction.
Q: What was the motive behind the murder?
A: The police did not disclose a motive for the murder.
Q: Where is the suspect being held?
A: The suspect is being held at the state penitentiary in Childress and will be returned to Tarrant County for his arraignment.
Q: What is the current status of the case?
A: The investigators have found evidence linking the suspect to the crime scene, and the suspect will be arraigned in Tarrant County.
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