On January 15, 2024, Hunt County Sheriff Deputies executed a bench warrant for the apprehension of 29-year-old Clifton Christopher Crabtree of Quinlan. The warrant was issued by the 354th District Court-Hunt County in connection with a murder case dating back to May 7, 2019.
The incident unfolded when HCSO deputies responded to a disturbance involving shots fired at a residence in the 1200 block of Deer Lane, Quinlan, around 5:45 p.m. on that fateful day. Initially, the caller reported being assaulted by a family member, leading to a 911 call disconnection. A second call confirmed a shooting, resulting in the death of 55-year-old Lisa Ann Crabtree, identified as the shooter's mother.
Following investigations by the Hunt County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division, Clifton Christopher Crabtree was arrested and charged with murder. His initial bond was set at $1,000,000, and during the subsequent hearing, he pleaded not guilty. On October 18, 2019, he was deemed incompetent to stand trial and ordered to a mental health facility for a period not exceeding 120 days.
Since then, Crabtree has been committed to a mental health facility with multiple court-ordered extensions. In October 2023, an order was issued to administer psychoactive medication. On November 1, 2023, a notice of appeal was filed. A competency examination report was released on January 2, 2024, prompting the issuance of a bench warrant on the 5th.
His arraignment and competency review are scheduled for January 29, 2024.
