A fugitive sought in the suspicious death of a 37-year-old woman was arrested wearing a sweatshirt bearing a threatening message, authorities said Friday.
Kruz Dean Wanser was taken into custody by Azle police on Thursday, with assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division, Texas Rangers, U.S. Marshals, and the Parker County Special Crimes Unit.
His mugshot, released in an official update, showed the sweatshirt reading: “I will put you in a trunk and help people look for you… Stop playing with me.”
Wanser, initially identified as a person of interest, faces felony charges including tampering or fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair a human corpse, possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance Penalty Group 1, and a parole violation warrant.
Officials have not detailed his exact role in the case or his relationship to the victim, though the charges indicate possible efforts to hide evidence.
Wanser was wanted in connection with the death of Margaret Pennington, who was found deceased in an Azle home on January 11. The medical examiner has yet to determine the cause of death.
A Facebook post about the arrest drew more comments about the suspect’s wardrobe than his alleged crimes.
“You know that saying, ‘Dress for the job you want, not the job you have’ really applies here,” commented Casey Barnard Maitre.
“I know we aren’t supposed to judge a book by its cover, but..maybe this once?” wrote Jesse Sawyer.
“I mean, have we checked the trunk?” asked Steven Pagett.
Police have not indicated if more charges are forthcoming or if others are under investigation. The case remains active, and authorities asked anyone with details to call the Azle Police Department at 817-444-3221.
