Abilene, Texas – On Monday, January 2, at approximately 5:08 p.m., Abilene Police responded to an injured subject call in the 600 block of North Bowie Drive. Police located a 35-year-old-year-old black male with blunt force trauma to his head and a 28-year-old Hispanic female with minor injuries. The male was transported to the hospital for treatment of serious bodily injuries. Police learned that the injuries were caused during a family dispute and the suspect had fled the scene on foot. The suspect, 36-year-old Mario Valerio, was taken into custody without incident a short distance away.
Valerio was arrested and charged with First Degree Felony Aggravated Assault Family Violence, Second Degree Felony Assault Family Violence, and State Jail Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance, to wit: Methamphetamine. Valerio was transported to the Taylor County Jail and held on bonds totaling $180,000. A no-bond Parole Violation was subsequently issued as well.
On Thursday, January 5, Detectives with the Major Investigations Bureau were notified by hospital staff that the male victim had succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. Next of kin notification has been made and the victim has been identified as Bruce Alan Payne, Jr.
Valerio’s charge of First Degree Felony Aggravated Assault Family Violence is in the process of being upgraded to First Degree Felony Murder. Valerio continues to be held at the Taylor County Jail with no bond. No further investigative updates are expected.