Suspect Arrested After Fatal Assault at Central Lubbock Motel

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Photo by Lucas Chalhoub, KCBD News

LUBBOCK, Texas — A man has been arrested on a murder charge following the death of a 60-year-old who was found critically injured outside a motel in Central Lubbock.

The victim was identified as Arnold Tomlunson. According to the initial report from EverythingLubbock.com, officers responded to the 600 block of Avenue Q at approximately 1:59 a.m. Sunday, July 26, after receiving a request to check on an unresponsive person.

Police found Tomlunson on the ground and immediately began lifesaving measures. He was taken by ambulance to University Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead.

Investigators initially determined that Tomlunson had been involved in a verbal disagreement that escalated into a physical assault. Police said the person suspected of attacking him left the area before officers arrived.

The investigation was turned over to the Lubbock Metropolitan Special Crimes Unit, which handles homicide cases in the city.

Investigators later identified 37-year-old David Thomas as a suspect after reviewing motel surveillance recordings and interviewing witnesses, according to updated reporting from KCBD.

Court documents reportedly show Tomlunson leaving a motel room while accompanied by two men and a woman. Video allegedly captured a man striking Tomlunson and causing him to fall. Investigators said Thomas was identified using witness descriptions and the surveillance footage.

Thomas was arrested and booked into the Lubbock County Detention Center on Monday morning. He has been charged with murder and is being held on a $500,000 bond.

The investigation remains active, and authorities have not announced whether additional arrests or charges are expected.

The charge against Thomas is an allegation. He is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

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Nicole Lopez writes about rural communities, local businesses, and the people shaping life across Lubbock and the South Plains. Her reporting focuses on presenting useful local information in a clear and approachable way while highlighting stories that may otherwise go unnoticed.
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