Abilene man indicted for January 2023 murder of 35-year-old

ABILENE, Texas — An Abilene man was indicted today after assault charges he received were upgraded to murder charges following the victim's death.

According to a press release, Abilene police found that 36-year-old Mario Valerio had fled the scene after a family dispute.

Officers found a found a 35-year-old man suffering from blunt force trauma to his head, and a 28-year-old woman with minor 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 were then upgraded from assault to First Degree Felony Murder.

You can read the original story here.

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