Alan Dale Price
Murderer
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- Gender
- male
- Country
- USA
- Location
- Dallas, Texas, USA
- Date of birth
- 1951
- Age at first offence
- 48
- Characteristics
- parricide, domestic dispute
- Victim profile
- His ex- wife Janette Jeffers, 43; her mother, Margaret Compton, 67; and her friend, Mary Roland, 63
- Method of murder
- Shooting
- Date(s) of murder
- January 13, 1999
- Years active
- 1999
- Date of arrest
- —
- Status
-
Died in custody
Committed suicide by shooting himself the same day Texas Man Kills Three, Then Himself
Background
Alan Dale Price was 48 when he was found dead inside a home in this Dallas suburb. Police said he turned his shotgun on himself and gunned down Janette Jeffers, 43; her mother, Margaret Compton, 67; and their friend, Mary Roland, 63.
A 12-year-old son of the woman’s current husband escaped from a second-story window and was not injured. The boy was in the front yard when police arrived, and officers did not believe he witnessed the shootings. The boy’s father was in California on business.
Police Lt. Michael Hauver said the motive was believed to be related to recent legal action between Price and Mrs. Jeffers, who had been divorced about 15 years. Hauver said specifics were not known but the case possibly involved child support for their college-age daughter, who was not at the house.
Sgt. Steve Upchurch said the 12-year-old told of Price having a “history of some problems like theft of mail and tire slashing,” but nothing recently.
The offence
Police said Price ambushed and killed Janette Jeffers, her mother Margaret Compton, and their friend Mary Roland.
Police suspect Price “may have been ‘lying in wait’ in or near the garage early Wednesday” when Ms. Compton and Ms. Roland went to pack their car for a trip. Police said Price likely killed them, then went after his ex-wife.
Investigation
Police did not get a clear description of the prowler; they suspected Price. Reports of a prowler at the house were made late the next day and again this Tuesday.
Lt. Hauver said the case possibly involved child support for their college-age daughter, who was not at the house.
Arrest
On Jan. 3, police stopped Price for running a red light and impounded the car because it was an overdue rental. Police said they took a loaded shotgun from the back seat, even though he was in legal possession of it. Price agreed to allow officers to take it for safekeeping.
Sgt. Steve Upchurch said there was “no legal recourse” but to return the gun when Price requested it Jan. 5.
Outcome
Price killed himself early Wednesday with a shotgun that police had confiscated but returned a week earlier.
Other details
Lt. Michael Hauver and Sgt. Steve Upchurch were identified by name in relation to police statements.
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