Friday, January 16, 2009

The New Year's first murder


Time will tell.


Live-in nurse charged with murder

-The Herald Zeitung

A 46-year-old man allegedly was gunned down by a woman who neighbors say was his live-in nurse.

A press release sent out by Comal County Sheriff’s Office at 6 p.m. Thursday stated April Wyne Diaz, 24, called 911 around 2 a.m. Thursday, telling operators she shot her step-father in their residence.

When sheriff’s deputies arrived at 1650 Castleview in the Royal Forest Subdivision, they found Randall Troy Bryson, 46, dead in the house, according to the press release.

Diaz, who was also in the residence, was taken into custody and charged with murder.

Neighbors said Diaz was a live-in nurse — not the step-daughter — for Bryson, who was paralyzed in a car accident about 10 years ago.

“She had been taking care of him for years,” said Brenda Penshorn, a friend of Bryson’s who lives down the street.

She said Diaz had no vehicle or driver’s license, and rarely left the residence.

“(Bryson) was definitely in charge of her,” she said. “He laid down the rules. I was not aware there was enough tension for her to do something like that, though.”

Neighbors said Diaz and Bryson were the only ones who lived at the residence.

“I’m just so sad,” Penshorn said. “He was definitely a friend of mine, and it’s very sad to hear that this happened.”

Diaz was transported to Comal County Jail and charged with murder, a first-degree felony punishable by five to 99 years to life in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Her booking photo was not available Thursday night.