These Shoes May be The Key in Solving a Cold Case Lufkin Homicide
Sometimes, It Only Takes a Spark
The Lufkin Police Department is hoping that re-releasing details, photos, and video of a murder that took place over 5 years ago will spark the memory of someone who could provide a lead in a cold-case homicide.
Homicide Details
On November 3, 2017, 31-year-old Darrence O’Brien Kindle went to pick up a few things at a neighborhood Dollar General. While he was at the register an armed black male wearing a “Scream” mask rushed into the store demanding money from the register.
Because the clerk was in the midst of Darrence’s debit card transaction, he could not immediately open the register. Within four seconds of entering the store, the suspect fired a round from a black and silver handgun, striking Darrence in the head. The suspect then attempted to fire at the store clerk, but the gun malfunctioned. The suspect fled on foot into a wooded area beside the store. No money or merchandise was taken in the botched robbery.
Officers arrived to find Darrence with a faint pulse. He was rushed to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wound. Officers immediately began canvasing the neighborhood around the store, but the suspect was not found. Detectives launched an investigation into the identity of Darrence’s killer but ultimately found few leads.
What is Known About the Killer
The suspect was described as a lighter-complected black male, likely in his teens to twenties. He looks to be around 5’10-6’0 in height.
Though the suspect wore gloves to prevent leaving fingerprints, he DID leave a shoe print on the register counter. Using gel lift technology, crime scene technicians were able to reproduce an image of the suspect’s shoe tread.
That shoe print was sent to a forensic shoe examiner and identified as a Nike Air Zoom Kobe Venonmenon 4 basketball shoe. What’s more, the shoe DID come in a bright red color scheme with accents of black and mint. Though the store’s surveillance video is low resolution, the shoes identified by the expert do appear to be consistent with the suspect’s bright red footwear.
Take a Moment to Go Back in Time
Sometimes it can be hard to remember things that happened just a few minutes ago, but the Lufkin Police Department is asking anyone who reads this to try and go back about five years. Perhaps someone you know wore this type of shoe or bragged about having them. Maybe somebody mentioned the crime in question and you've been too scared to come forward.
Darrence Kindle was a father, son, brother, and friend with a zest for life and a gentle sense of humor to match. He is seen here wearing what his family described as his favorite shirt – “HUG LIFE.”
Sadly, this is the same shirt he was wearing when his life was cut short.
Tips can be reported directly to the Department at 936-633-0356 or online via Crime Stoppers at 639TIPS.com. It is important to note that no monetary limit has been put on the Crime Stoppers reward for information leading to the arrest and grand jury indictment of Darrence’s killer. Crime Stoppers tipsters always remain anonymous.