Florida Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog
Alberto Morales, 42, who allegedly stabbed a Florida detective multiple times during transportation, disappeared and authorities initiated a manhunt which began Monday. Early Saturday, authorities located the escaped prisoner in Grapevine near Dallas, nearby a home where someone stole jewelery and men’s clothing. He was shot and killed.
Morales was arrested in Nevada in 2008. He was brought to Miami, where he was jailed pending a 2003 case alleging burglary, kidnapping and sexual battery. In December, he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 10 years in prison, which was to run consecutive to a Nevada sentence.
According to a Miami-Dade Police Department, prior to landing in Houston, Morales began “acting erratically,” and thus, he and the detectives were not allowed to board their connecting flight, it said.
The detectives rented a vehicle and continued their transportation. During a restroom break in Grapevine, while one of the detectives was inside, Morales stabbed Det. Jaime Pardinas, a 28-year veteran, multiple times, and fled the scene, authorities said. Pardinas was treated at Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas and was listed in serious condition.
“At this point, as far as the investigation is concerned, Mr. Morales was shot and is now deceased. This matter is still under investigation … and we’ll have more details at a later point,” Grapevine Police Department spokesman Sgt. Robert Eberling told reporters. Eberling stressed the case remains under investigation.