Samuel Shawn Berry, a 53-year-old male from Abilene, Texas, was tragically killed on January 20, 2022, in what was the city's first homicide of the year. The incident occurred at Berry's residence in the 200 block of Miss Ellie Lane. According to court documents, Abilene police responded to a disturbance call just after midnight and found Berry deceased, lying face up on a bed and covered in blood.
The police also discovered a 43-year-old woman with a gunshot wound on a living room couch and a 32-year-old man with a stab wound to the shoulder.
The events leading to Berry's death involved a domestic dispute that escalated into violence. Matthew Marquez, a 37-year-old male, was identified as the primary suspect. Marquez allegedly stabbed the 32-year-old man during a verbal argument. Following the stabbing, the victim went to the bathroom to clean his wound, while Marquez's wife retrieved the victim's firearm, intending to lock it away in her vehicle. Marquez confronted his wife, took the gun from her, and then pointed it at Berry. Despite Berry's pleas for his life, Marquez allegedly laughed and shot him multiple times, including a fatal shot to the face. Marquez also shot his wife when she tried to intervene.
Marquez was detained at the scene by the police and subsequently charged with first-degree felony murder and two counts of first-degree felony aggravated assault family violence. He was held in the Taylor County Jail with bonds totaling $250,000. The case against Marquez proceeded with a grand jury indictment on one count of murder and two counts of aggravated assault. Additionally, Marquez faced a motion-to-revoke probation warrant out of Scurry County. The legal proceedings included a motion for a psychiatric evaluation to determine Marquez's competency to stand trial.
Berry's death was a significant event in Abilene, marking the first of four homicides in the city in 2022. The incident highlighted the severe consequences of domestic violence and the tragic loss of life that can result from such disputes. The investigation and subsequent legal actions against Marquez aimed to bring justice for Berry and the other victims involved in the incident.
