Liberty PD Statement Concerning Murder of Store Owner

LIBERTY, December 28, 2009 - This afternoon at 3:00 PM the City of Liberty Police Department held a press conference concerning the Capital Murder of Naushad Virani, the owner of Ridgewood Grocery in Liberty on Christmas night.

Officer High Bishop of the Department said in a prepared statement, On Christmas evening, a capital murder of a storeowner occurred in Liberty. Store surveillance video taken from the scene allowed investigator to identify the suspect as Stevie Ray “Bubba” Walder age 31 of Liberty. Justice of the Peace Bobby Rader issued a Capital Murder arrest warrant and a regional attempt to locate was broadcast.

Liberty Police investigators received information and tips that Walder was in the Woodville area. Tyler County authorities were notified. At approximately 2:00 AM on December 27, 2009, Walder was spotted driving his green Dodge Truck on US 69, north of Woodville. Tyler County sheriff’s Office, Texas Highway patrol and Woodville PD initiated a felony traffic stop. Stevie Walder was taken into custody without incident.

Walder was transported back to the Liberty County Jail. Justice of the Peace Glenn Pruitt arraigned Welder and set a bond of $2,000,000 dollar. As of December 28th, at 3:00 PM, Stevie Walder is still in the Liberty County Jail.

The Liberty Police Department is grateful to our area law enforcement agencies for their assistance in he ace. The Quick progression of the case and tips received warranted multi-jurisdiction cooperation, which brought about a successful capture of a dangerous suspect.

The investigation into the Capital Murder of Naushad Virani is ongoing. LPD investigators are now working on case preparation for presentation to the Liberty County District Attorney’s Office.

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