NewsNational

Actions

Cable man allegedly stabs 83-year-old woman to death in her own home

crime-scene-police-tape-generic-crime-tape-police-line-do-not-cross.png
Posted at 9:36 AM, Dec 18, 2019
and last updated 2019-12-18 09:36:29-05

An 83-year-old woman has allegedly been stabbed to death in her home by a man working for her cable television provider.

The Irving Police Department initially responded to a report of an unconscious person in the University Hills neighborhood in Irving, Texas, at approximately 6:00 p.m. on Dec. 12. When authorities arrived at the home they discovered the body of 83-year-old Betty Thomas deceased from multiple stab wounds.

NATIONAL NEWS | The latest headlines from across the country

“Investigators have been working tirelessly … to piece together what had occurred. We do know that the suspect worked for a utilities service provider and that is how he knew Ms. Thomas,” said Media Relations Officer Robert Reeves in a statement posted to social media.

Police arrested the suspect, 43-year-old Roy James Holden Jr. in connection with the murder the day after her body was found.

“The suspect was arrested in Mesquite, Texas, and has been transported to the Irving Police Department where he is currently being held,” said Reeves.

Spectrum, the company where Holden had been working, released a statement that was obtained by ABC News’ Dallas affiliate WFAA.

"This is a terrible tragedy and our thoughts are with the victim and her family and friends. We are actively working with Irving police as they conduct their investigation."

The motive and the circumstances surrounding the murder are currently unclear and the investigation remains ongoing.