Co-defendant in Motel 6 Aggravated Robbery Issued 10 Years Probation

SAN ANGELO, TX -- Elizabeth Tackett, 56, appeared in the Tom Green County Courthouse on Tuesday afternoon for a plea-hearing regarding her aggravated robbery charge, a First Degree Felony.

Tackett's husband and co-defendant, Eddie Lynn Tackett, 45, was issued a 35-year sentence last month during his jury trial. 

Both Elizabeth and Eddie Tackett were charged with assaulting a 69-year-old Kenneth Riza while at the Motel 6 located at 311 N. Bryant Blvd on Feb. 3, 2016. Riza told the jurors what happened the night of the assault, during Eddie Tackett's trial.

Riza said he checked in to the Motel 6 around 9:30 p.m. on February 2 and explained that because he is diabetic and had other health issues, his doctor had instructed him to walk 10,000 steps a day. Riza testified he had a pedometer to track his steps and was walking an oval pattern in the motel parking lot to get in his required steps the night of the assault.

Riza said he spoke to Eddie and Elizabeth Tackett outside their room as he walked around the parking lot of the motel. After several tracks around the motel, Eddie asked Riza wanted a girl, he said "no".

Riza said Eddie Tackett lured him or forced him into the Tackett’s room, room 113, and would not let him leave. While he was in their room, Riza explained that Elizabeth and Eddie Tackett had "relations" a few times while Riza was purportedly trapped in the room and forced to watch.

After witnessing the sexual acts, Riza tried to leave the room. However, Eddie told Riza there are "no free shows" and demanded he pay.

Riza told Tackett that he had no money with him, but said he had money in his room.  Riza told Tackett his room number, 125, and then walked to his room with both Eddie and Elizabeth following close behind. 

Riza opened the door to his motel room and tried to get in quickly and shut Tackett out, but couldn't.

Tackett threw Riza against the wall several times and stabbed him in the abdomen and left hand. While Tackett ordered Riza to take his clothes off, Elizabeth Tackett began collecting all of Riza's belongings out the room, including his clothes. 

Tackett ripped a bed sheet and ‘hog tied’ him, naked, so that his hands and feet were tied behind his back. Both Elizabeth and Eddie then got into Riza's truck and drove away from the motel.

Riza was able to break free from the bindings and made contact with the front desk. After police arrived he was taken to Shannon Medical Center to get treatment for the wounds he sustained. 

On Tuesday, Elizabeth Tackett sat before Judge Brad Goodwin prepared to take a plea of guiltily for her involvement in the aggravated robbery. Goodwin was also the presiding judge for Eddie Tackett's trial. 

In exchange for Tackett's plea, the State recommend she be sentenced to ten years probation and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $14,651.95.

"I will go ahead and follow the plea offer," Goodwin declared.

He then began the formal sentencing saying, "Elizabeth Tacket, I find beyond a reasonable doubt that you are guilty of aggravated robbery." 

The court was adjourned, and Tackett was turned back over to the Tom Green County Sheriff's Office detention officers to begin the proceedings for her release on probation.