Arrests Made in Murder of Off-Duty Texas Officer, Torture Reports False

Two suspects were taken into custody and charged with murder in the death of an off-duty Abilene, Texas, police officer, Abilene Police said Thursday.

Suspect Philip Walter escorted by Abilene officer. (Photo: WFAA screen shot)Suspect Philip Walter escorted by Abilene officer. (Photo: WFAA screen shot)

Two suspects were taken into custody and charged with murder in the death of an off-duty Abilene, Texas, police officer, Abilene Police said Thursday.

Violet Walter and Philip Walter were charged with first-degree murder Thursday evening, according to Abilene Police chief Stan Standridge. The Texas Rangers will decide if capital murder charges will be pursued.

Officer Don Allen was found dead at a Clyde home Monday night. Texas Rangers and the FBI are investigating.

The Walters were linked to stolen property from Allen's home, police told WFAA TV.

Standridge did not elaborate on a motive for the murder in order to "maintain the integrity of the investigation."

Abilene Police Sgt. Lynn Beard said in an afternoon press conference Thursday that some of the information seen online leading up to the arrests was inaccurate. Beard said reports of torture and "anti-police rhetoric" written on the walls are false.

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