Dogs could have played role in slayings

Man accused of killing 3 neighbors was known to complain about pets roaming neighborhood

A man charged with killing three of his neighbors in Liberty County on Monday was known to complain about the dogs freely roaming the area — a detail that investigators believe could have played a role in the shooting spree, said Capt. Ken Defoor of the Liberty County Sheriff ’s Office.

Michael Wettstein, 60, so far has been charged with capital murder of multiple people with other felony charges pending. He remains in the Liberty County Jail without bond.

Wettstein lived along County Road 4901 near Dayton. Neighbors told investigators that he frequently went around his neighborhood “ranting” about the dogs that were allowed to roam freely, Defoor said Tuesday. The sheriff’s office had previously responded before the shooting to various complaints about Wettstein. At the time of his latest arrest, a swastika had been drawn on his forehead, and he was armed with the shotgun and rifle used in the shooting, Defoor said.

It’s unclear whether he had any other motive at the time, Defoor said.

The spree started around noon Monday, when Wettstein shot a dog that belonged to his 38-yearold neighbor Misty Herndon. Deputies say he then fatally shot her and 56-year-old Richard Lamm. He went to another house on County Road 4901 and shot and killed 59-year-old Bruce Mercer, deputies say. After that, he went to the next home and got into an argument with Marvin Rumley, 66, and his daughter, 32, about their dog.

He shot them both, and they were taken by Life Flight to a Houston hospital, where they are still in treatment. Their current condition is unknown.

Wettstein was taken into custody after fleeing to a nearby wooded area, Defoor said. The sheriff ’s office continues to investigate the relationships between him and the victims.