Autopsy results reveal that 49-year-old Robert Holt was shot five times by the owner of a home he had broken into, 69-year-old Fred Melcher.
Slaton Police Chief Steven Wheeler said the confrontation escalated when Melcher entered through the door to the garage. Wheeler said Holt struck Melcher in the head with a hammer. Holt reportedly told Melcher he wanted to sit down and talk.
Wheeler said Melcher noticed his locked bedroom had been broken into and some of his guns were missing. Melcher’s friend Edith Ayers came inside the house.
He said Holt shot Ayers with a 25-caliber pistol three times, then turned the gun on Melcher and wounded him with one shot. Melcher returned fire with a 9mm pistol hitting Holt three times in the stomach and twice in the side.
Wheeler said Melcher knew Holt and had assisted him with a place to stay and employment. He added Holt was a person of interest in previous home burglaries in Slaton and a few crimes in Garza County.
Ayers was released from the hospital Sunday, he said, and was interviewed again Monday. .
Wheeler said the investigation is concluding and reports will be given to the Lubbock County Sheriff's Office. Holt’s death will be presented to the grand jury to see if Melcher committed any wrongdoing. Wheeler said he believed it was a clear case of self-defense.
Melcher is still hospitalized in serious condition.
