DPS Releases Shooter's Identity in Murder Near Sweetwater

At approximately 4 p.m. Saturday afternoon, a man was shot and killed in Maryneal, a small town south of Sweetwater, said Trooper Frederick Biddle, public information officer for the Department of Public Safety in Abilene.

Biddle stated that the suspect who shot and killed the Maryneal man fled the scene in a vehicle. A DPS unit located the suspect south of Sweetwater where he fled. The pursuit ended at the intersection of IH-20 and TX 70.

Biddle added that during the arrest the suspect was shot. He’s now in critical condition at a local hospital.

The Texas Rangers, Sweetwater Police Department, and Nolan County Sheriff’s Office are working together in this ongoing investigation.

Biddle stated more information will be released as it becomes available.

Update Jan. 4, 2016 at 9:49 a.m.

DPS has identified the victim of this weekend's murder as Lonnie Odell Sturdivant, 59, of Maryneal, Texas.

Biddle stated more information will follow as it's released by Sweetwater law enforcement agencies

Updated Jan. 4, 2016 at 3:14 p.m.

At 3:14 p.m. today, DPS released information on the shooting suspect who murdered Lonnie Odell Sturdivant, 59, of Maryneal, Texas.

Suspect Lance Light, 54, after murdering the Maryneal man engaged law enforcement in a vehicle chase, and was shot by a Sweetwater Police officer when he produced a gun and pointed it at officers. Biddle stated the officer is currently on paid administrative leave.