On Thursday, November 7, 2024, around 1:20 p.m., Victoria Police Department officers responded to a reported assault in the 3000 block of Houston Highway. Upon arrival, officers found a deceased male in the parking lot of a motel. Preliminary investigations indicated that a physical altercation had occurred between two individuals, during which a weapon was used. The other individual involved was seen leaving the scene on foot and was later located in the 3300 block of Catalpa Street, where he was arrested on a charge of Murder.
The suspect, identified as 31-year-old Adrian Lee Barefield of Victoria, is being held on a $750,000 bond. The victim has been identified as 25-year-old Zachary Manuel. The investigation remains ongoing.
