APD: Murder Suspect Arrested Four Years Later

ABILENE, TX — Nearly four years after Tom Niblo was murdered police have finally made an arrest in the case.

According to police, Niblo’s brother-in-law has been arrested in connection to the murder. On Thursday 48-year-old Luke Matthew Sweetser was arrested in Dallas.

Back in December of 2016, the 54-year-old real estate agent was shot in a bedroom of his home. The autopsy revealed he was shot eight times — in the head, face, abdomen, torso, and left and right extremities.

According to police, the suspect had a motive and no alibi. At the time of the murder, the victim had been fighting with his sister, Ellouise, and her husband, Sweetser, over their father’s estate. 

The investigation also revealed that Sweetser tried to kick in the bathroom door where Niblo’s wife was hiding. She managed to escape the home unharmed.

Two days after the murder, Sweetser was arrested for theft of a firearm after several guns were recovered during the murder investigation.

In January of 2017, Sweetser was named as a suspect in the murder and three months later Ellouise Sweetwater filed for divorce. There is no indication the divorce was ever finalized. 

Sweetser was arrested by the North Texas Fugitive Task Force – comprised of the U.S. Marshals Office, Dallas Police Department, and Dallas County Sheriff's Office.

Sgt. Will Ford of the Abilene Police Department was at the scene when Sweeter. His bond has been set at $750,000.

"This is a day I have been looking forward to for so many reasons," said Abilene Police Chief Stan Standridge.