Fort Worth police arrested Patrick Lapaul Lawrence, 37, and charged him with murder after investigators said witness video and Lawrence’ own account linked him to the fatal shooting of an Everman ISD instructional aide on Interstate 20, according to an arrest warrant affidavit reported by NBC 5 DFW.
Lawrence allegedly fired one shot into the vehicle of LaTaivia Uni-Que Davis, 34, as both traveled east near Granbury Road on Thursday, the affidavit states.
Davis was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:52 a.m.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, police initially sought a driver who fled after the early-morning shooting. Police announced Lawrence’ arrest later Thursday.
Video Leads Detectives To Suspect
Three witnesses stopped and attempted to help Davis after the shooting.
Investigators found a fired Winchester 9mm cartridge casing near the Granbury Road exit. One witness reported hearing a loud bang before seeing a blue vehicle with its window down traveling toward the exit. Davis’ vehicle then moved onto the left shoulder with apparent bullet damage to its passenger-side window.
A camera system inside the witness’ vehicle recorded the interaction. Additional dashboard-camera footage showed a blue Volkswagen SUV traveling beside Davis’ vehicle on South Hulen Street shortly before both vehicles entered I-20.
Detectives traced the Volkswagen to Lawrence and later found it in Justin, where he worked.
Affidavit Says Lawrence Fired One Shot
Lawrence told investigators he was alone in the Volkswagen and claimed Davis began following closely behind him as he entered the highway.
He said Davis moved left across the white on-ramp markings to pass him. Lawrence allegedly told investigators that he could not see inside Davis’ vehicle because its windows were tinted.
As Davis passed, Lawrence allegedly drew a 9mm Canik pistol and fired toward her vehicle. He told investigators he saw the round strike the front passenger window before he exited the highway and continued to work.
Lawrence consented to a search of the Volkswagen and told investigators the pistol remained inside. Police recovered the loaded Canik and said its ammunition had characteristics consistent with the casing found near the shooting scene.
Lawrence was booked into the Lon Evans Corrections Center on a murder charge with bond set at $300,000, county records show.
Davis Remembered By School District
Everman ISD’s official staff directory lists Davis as an instructional aide at E. Ray Elementary School.
Everman ISD issued a statement after Davis’ death, Fox 4 KDFW reported.
“Everman ISD is deeply saddened by the passing of a valued member of our staff. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the employee’s family, loved ones, colleagues, students, and all those impacted by this loss.”
The district also said counselors and other support resources would be available to students and employees.
“We also want to thank those who immediately rendered aid to Ms. Davis,” Fort Worth police said.
Provided by Dallas Express
