(Seguin) – The Seguin Police Department is on the search for the city’s latest murder suspect. Seguin Police Chief Terry Nichols on Thursday turned to media outlets in a virtual press conference to garner more clues behind the Jan. 23 death of Sam Flores Wallace Jr.
Nichols is asking for the public’s help in finding the person(s) responsible for Wallace’s murder outside the Stagecoach Apartments located in the 800 block of W. Kingsbury St.
Nichols says his plea comes after the findings by the medical examiner’s office.
“An autopsy was performed by the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office on Sunday. On Wednesday afternoon, our detectives were informed by the medical examiner’s office the cause of death was homicide due to injuries sustained by a sharp instrument. The victim has sustained numerous lacerations and puncture wounds in the neck area. We know Mr. Wallace was murdered sometime between 6 a.m. Friday, Jan. 22 and 3:40 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23. He was killed in the backseat of a vehicle he often slept in which was parked at the Stagecoach Apartments. We believe the victim knew his attacker or attackers and don’t believe there is an ongoing threat to our community. We strongly believe other residents in the apartment complex know who committed this brutal attack taking Mr. Wallace’s life,” said Nichols.
Sam Flores Wallace Jr.
Nichols says they are also trying to figure out why Wallace was targeted.
“We do not have a motive at this time. There’s no indication that robbery was a motive currently. Due to the personal nature of the attack, we believe he knows his attacker or attackers just being in a vehicle and the crime scene being secured and him being such a local fixture in that complex, we feel pretty strongly that the victim knew the attacker or attackers,” said Nichols.
Although he was known for sleeping in the backseat of his vehicle from time to time, Wallace did have an apartment where he lived with other people. Nichols says even though his detectives from the very beginning handled the case as a homicide, they still had suspicions of a suicide.
According to Nichols, Wallace did have a history of mental illness and had even been treated this month for mental illness and for cutting.
Nonetheless, Nichols say they are searching for more clues and believes that someone knows something that could help their investigation. To enhance their efforts, Nichols says an increase in reward has been announced for this specific case.
“The Guadalupe County Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $5,000 for information leading up to the arrest with grand jury indictment in this case. Callers will remain anonymous. This up to $5,000 reward is a temporary offer at this point and will not be good for long. Seguin Police Department Criminal Investigation’s Division continues to actively work this investigation. Anyone with information can also contact the police department at 830-379-2123 or again call Crime Stoppers,“ said Nichols.
Nichols says such a tragic death deserves justice.
“This is the first homicide in Seguin since Dec. 14, 2019. I think as the city of Seguin we are blessed that we don’t have a lot of violent crime and last year (2020), I hope that is going to be our normal and this will be our abnormal. These kind of situations are very rare. This is a tragic way to start the year and that’s why we really want to bring justice to the family and to Mr. Wallace and bring his killer to justice,” said Nichols.
Again, those with information on the man’s death are asked to contact the Guadalupe County Crime Stoppers at 877-403-8477. Cash rewards of up to $5,000 will be provided for information leading to the arrest or grand jury indictment in this case. Callers will remain anonymous. As Nichols mentioned, the up to $5,000 reward is only being offered for a limited time.