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Houston police said a popular Montrose artist stabbed to death last week was killed by a 56 year old man who was himself killed when struck by a train.

KHOU - TV

Robert Franklin Utterback, 57, was pulled from his burning Montrose area home/studio Thursday and later died. However, he did not die from the fire, rather from several stab wounds.

Hours later Utterback’s partner, Clifford David Gaylord was killed after he was struck by a train in the Heights.

Late Tuesday afternoon HPD said Gaylord was responsible for stabbing Utterback. Police said they found what amounted to a confession note in which Gaylord admitting to his role in Utterback’s death.

Investigators believe Utterback's killer likely started the fire at his Montrose home to try to cover it all up.

At his warehouse Monday, private arson investigators hired by an insurance company were doing their own investigation.

11 News

Robin Utterback was stabbed last week said the Harris County medical examiner.

Out in front, there was a U-Haul truck. A wrecker driver who came to get the truck said it had been rented by Utterback and was going to be used by his live in partner - Gaylord.

Working off a tip, 11 News checked with the Medical Examiner's office Monday and learned Utterback's partner was there too. The medical examiner’s office said he died Friday, one day after the fire.

Sources inside HPD homicide told 11 News it appears the two men had an argument Thursday and Utterback's partner may have killed him and taken his own life the following day.

Robin Utterback's work can be viewed at the Menil and at the Houston Museum of Fine Arts. He specialized in abstract drawings and paintings and many of his works, according to the Houston Chronicle are permanently displayed around the world.

Ironically, Utterback had just sold the Grant Street Warehouse.

He was planning to move into a new home soon.