Russell Vernon Reado, a 71-year-old African American male, passed away on May 10, 2022, in Port Arthur, Texas. His death was the result of a fatal gunshot wound, which led to a murder investigation by the Port Arthur Police Department. Reado was found deceased inside his residence on Maple Avenue after police responded to a call about a shooting. The initial investigation revealed that Reado had sustained a fatal gunshot wound, and his death was treated as a homicide.
The investigation
led to the arrest of 24-year-old Lace Skyler Christian, who was indicted for the murder of Russell Vernon Reado. Christian was wearing a GPS tracker at the time of the incident, which placed her at Reado's residence multiple times. Security camera footage also showed her black Toyota Camry near the residence on several occasions. Christian initially claimed she was at Reado's residence to borrow his car and check on him, stating that Reado had called her to say he was not feeling well. However, phone records did not support her claim, and further investigation revealed inconsistencies in her statements.
Christian was charged with murder and held in the Jefferson County jail on bonds totaling more than $1 million. The case against her included evidence from security camera footage and GPS tracking data, which contradicted her initial statements to the police. The investigation by the Port Arthur Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division continued to gather evidence to support the charges against Christian.
The tragic death of Russell Vernon Reado, a well-respected member of the Port Arthur community, left his family and friends mourning his loss. Reado was known for his involvement in the community, his dedication to his family, and his willingness to help others. His passing marked a significant loss for those who knew him, and the ongoing legal proceedings aimed to bring justice for his untimely death.