Hoffpauir arrested for murder

Liberty County Sheriff’s lead Investigator Sean Mitchell who is conducting the follow-up murder investigation with the assistance of the Texas Rangers arrested 37 year old Robert Eugene Hoffpauir on Sunday evening charging him with the murder of 60 year old Roman Rodriguez of Rye, Texas.

According to Investigator Mitchell, evidence revealed at the scene of this murder and various statements made by Hoffpauir, which are still under investigation, Rodriguez arrived at the home of Timey Ann Cole and her son, Robert Hoffpauir, and a domestic disturbance occurred due to a former relationship between Rodriquez and Cole. During this physical altercation, Rodriguez was severely beaten into submission by Hoffpauir who then tied a tow strap around the waist of Rodriguez and attached the other end to the pick-up truck belonging to Rodriguez. According to evidence found it appears that Hoffpauir then dragged Rodriguez from the home for a lengthy distance down the road where the truck and Rodriguez was abandoned and then the truck was set on fire by Hoffpauir. Only the autopsy will reveal if Rodriguez was deceased before he was dragged by the truck or at some point later.

Investigator Mitchell along with the Texas Rangers are continuing the investigation due to conflicting statements and to determine if additional charges will be filed. Robert Eugene Hoffpauir was placed in the Liberty County jail and charged with murder. His bond has been set at one million dollars