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Texas Truck Driver Arrested After 22-Year-Old Woman's Body Found Burning In SUV
Sara Hudson was on her way to celebrate her birthday when she was attacked and killed by a mysterious assailant in Dallas. Police say evidence led them to Gary Richter, though it's unclear if there's any connection between the suspect and victim.
A Texas man has been arrested following the discovery of a woman's burning corpse in an SUV as police search for a possible motive in her death.
Glen Richter, 49, was arrested and charged Wednesday with capital murder in connection to the death of 22-year-old Sara Hudson. Police discovered Hudson's body burning in her vehicle and arrested Richter based on witness testimony and fingerprint evidence.
Hudson’s white Chevy Tahoe was found ablaze in Dallas, Texas on the Monday night, according to Fox 4 of Dallas, Texas. When emergency responders put out the fire, they discovered Hudson's incinerated corpse in the back seat.
Surveillance video reviewed by police showed Hudson getting out of her vehicle in a parking lot, but then being forced back in by a man police believe is Richter. Police say the suspect touched the car during this skirmish, leaving the fingerprint that led them to him.
A witness told police they “observed the suspect in the parking lot” where Hudson was attacked and that he was “carrying a small black and white dog.” Facebook photos found by investigators allegedly depict Richter with a similar dog.
The arrest affidavit made no indication of a possible motive in the attack. It lists Hudson's death as caused by “homicidal violence inside the trunk of the vehicle.”
Richter was arrested at his home in Mesquite, Texas, only two days after the grisly discovery. A woman at the home said that Richter is a truck driver who lives out of his vehicle but had been crashing at her place. She added that she had seen Richter the night of the crime and that he had not been acting unusual.
Alexa Bjornsen, one of many mourners who gathered on Thursday at the spot where Hudson's body was found, said that she "didn't know [Hudson] personally, but this is something that happened in our community. So I thought it would be nice for us to come together and remember her," according to Fox 4.
The victim's family released a statement describing the Hudson as "a young woman of immense talent and immeasurable potential. … The world is a more precious place because of her and sadder now without her.”
Anthony Sacco, Hudson's uncle, added that her death was "painful beyond any grief [he's] ever experienced."
"It's like somebody reached in and grabbed your heart and pulled it out of your chest," Sacco told NBCDFW.
Many who live and work in the area where the crime occurred said that although the neighborhood is generally safe, the incident has caused concern.
"It doesn't necessarily change anything," Ariel Wakeland, an employee of a restaurant close to the crime scene, told the Dallas Morning News. "It just goes with the fact that you're never really safe as a female just because it's daylight."
Hudson had been on her way to celebrate her birthday at the time of the attack.
Richter was booked into the Lew Sterrett Justice Center. His bond was set at $500,000. The status of his legal representation is unclear.
A memorial service is planned for Hudson in Dallas on Monday.
