Abilene man arrested for assault gets charges upgraded to first degree murder

ABILENE, Texas — An Abilene man who was arrested for assault is currently having his charges upgraded to First Degree Felony Murder.

According to a press release, Abilene police responded to the 600 block of North Bowie Drive where they found a 35-year-old man suffering from blunt force trauma to his head, and a 28-year-old woman with minor injuries.

Investigations revealed that the injuries had come as a result of a family dispute, and that the suspect, 36-year-old Mario Valerio had fled the scene. Valerio was soon arrested and charged with First Degree Felony Aggravated Assault Family Violence, Second Degree Felony Assault Family Violence, and State Jail Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance, to wit: Methamphetamine. He was held on bonds totaling $180,000. The male victim was transported to the hospital to be treated for injuries.

On January 5th, 2022, officials were notified by hospital staff that the 35-year-old man, who later identified as Bruce Alan Payne, Jr. had succumbed to his injuries, and was pronounced dead.

Valerio's charges are currently in the process of being upgraded to First Degree Felony Murder.

Track crime, special events and more in your neighborhood with AlertNest & KTXS.