LIBERTY COUNTY, Texas — A man has been charged with murder after investigators said he tied his mom's ex-boyfriend to his own truck and dragged him down the road before setting the truck on fire.
The Liberty County Sheriff's Office said they arrested 37-year-old Robert Eugene Hoffpaiur in connection with the murder of 60-year-old Roman Rodriguez.
They say Rodriguez went to Hoffpauir's home near Rye Saturday night and they got in a fight over the relationship between Rodriguez and Hoffpauir's mother.
Authorities said Rodriguez was severely beaten by Hoffpauir, who then tied a tow strap around the waist of Rodriguez and attached it to the victim's truck.
Investigators said Hoffpaiur dragged Rodriguez for a while before he set the truck on fire and walked away.
"Right now, it seems like it was a domestic situation that went totally out of control and the son stepped in, took action he shouldn't have taken -- far beyond what was called for," LCSO spokesman Ken Defoor said.
At this time, it's unclear if Rodriguez died before he was dragged by the truck or sometime later, but an autopsy is underway.
Hoffpauir was arrested Sunday and given a $1 million bond and additional charges could be filed.
The Texas Rangers are helping with the investigation.
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