Abilene Murder Victim Lured to Death

Yesterday, the Abilene Police Department provided details into the murder of an Abilene man, 35-years-old David Perkins, who was found dead at about 9 p.m. Sunday night (see story here). He was lying in the street along Arnold Boulevard between Marigold Street and Interstate 20.

At a press conference this morning, APD officials announced the arrest of Michael Gootee, 36, and Kimberly Mansell, 40, early this morning for the murder of Perkins. According to a local news source in the area, court documents revealed how Perkins was lured to his death.

During the press conference, Sgt. Beard described how officials worked together to obtain a warrant for the arrest of Gootee.

“There was some type of disturbance or dispute between our deceased and our suspect as of regards to the suspect’s daughter,” said Beard. “The nature of their acquaintance, how they knew each other, is still under investigation.”

Because of this dispute, Gootee allegedly searched for Perkins at bars and other areas in Abilene, and witnesses told police that Gootee threatened he was going to kill him.

Beard said Mansell lured Perkins out to where he was shot by telling him she had car trouble. He was then shot by Gootee, and phone records confirmed Mansell’s call to Perkins within minutes of the murder.

One witness said Mansell watched as Gootee pulled up on a motorcycle Sunday night and shot Perkins several times with a silver handgun.

When asked if Gootee’s daughter was under the age of 18, Beard said he could not comment on that at this time.

As of yet, Gootee’s bond has not been set, but Mansell is being held on a $250,000 bond.