Dan Ferguson, Bruceville-Eddy police chief, said he anticipates having DNA results within two weeks and, depending upon the findings, could have the case ready to be screened by the district attorney’s office soon afterward.
On May 9, Bree Bechener, 17, was killed and James Nolan, 18, injured when they were struck from behind by a truck as they walked along the Interstate 35 frontage road near exit 315. The couple was leaving Mayfest, an annual fundraising event for the city’s volunteer fire department.
The driver fled the scene, leaving behind the front license plate of the truck. The truck was later found damaged and abandoned in a field in the Little River-Academy area.
The owner of the truck lives in the Little River-Academy area. He told police the truck was stolen from his home, Little River-Academy Mayor Ronnie White said in May.
Ferguson said witnesses placed the truck owner at Mayfest on the night of the accident but the man and his girlfriend both say he left the event in her vehicle.
Both the owner of the truck and his girlfriend have provided DNA to investigators working the case, Ferguson said.
The Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Laboratory in Waco is examining the DNA evidence.
Promer@temple-telegram.com
