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Liberty County man who shot 5 people had swastika drawn on forehead during arrest, argued with neighbors over dogs

60-year-old Michael Wettstein was found with a swastika drawn on his forehead and in possession of several guns used in the shooting, sheriff’s said.

LIBERTY COUNTY, Texas — A man accused of shooting five Liberty County residents, killing three, often complained about the dogs in the neighborhood, the sheriff’s office said.

Michael Wettstein, 60, is in jail facing several felony charges including murder after sheriffs said the suspect went from house to house with a gun Monday afternoon on Country Road 4901.

At the time of his arrest, investigators said Wettstein had a swastika drawn on his forehead and was armed with the shotgun and rifle allegedly used in the shooting. Officers said the suspect often gripped about dogs being allowed to roam freely in the area.

The shooters first victims reportedly were Richard Lamm, 56, and Misty Herndon, 38. Investigators added that Wettstein shot Herndon’s dog before killing Lamm and Herndon.

He then went to the next home, and for some unknown reason, fatally shot Bruce Mercer, 59.

Wettstein then reportedly made his way to a third home after getting into an argument with Marvin Rumley and his adult daughter about their dog. He is accused of shooting them also.

Both had to be air-lifted to a Houston hospital for treatment. Their current conditions are unknown.

The motive for the shooting is still under investigation, but they’re suspicious of his gripe with his neighbors’ pets. The sheriff’s office had been called the suspect’s house several times for various complaint’s deputies said.

LCSO Capt. Ken DeFoor said Wettstein was taken into custody without incident with the help of the Dayton Police Department. He’s being held without bond at a Liberty County Jail.

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