KAUFMAN, Texas – Police stepped up their manhunt Wednesday for a suspect they believe may have kidnapped a teenager after killing her mother and leaving her sisters tied up in the family home.
An arrest warrant on a charge of aggravated sexual assault was issued Tuesday for Daniel Joseph Griffin, 34, sought by police in connection with the murder Monday of Sheri Lynn Duggan, according to a report by FOX affiliate KDFW-TV.
Investigators believe Duggan's eldest daughter, Christina Harrison, 19, was with the suspect and may have been kidnapped, according a report in the Tyler Morning Telegraph.
"We have a confirmed murder and a possible aggravated kidnapping, and we are trying to get the word out that anyone with information needs to call us," said Sharlie Davis, spokeswoman for the Kaufman County Sheriff's office, to the paper.
Griffin's mother, Penny, told FOX News that if her son was responsible for the crimes, he did so under the influence of drugs.
"I just want to know the truth," she said, pleading with her son to "call me and tell me what happened. Tell me the truth. Tell me what's going on."
Click here to read KDFW-TV's report.
Police think Griffin purchased hair coloring at a Seagoville store Monday afternoon and may have dyed his red hair, police told the Tyler Morning Telegraph.
Officials have wanted to question Griffin since finding Duggan, 38, stabbed to death at her mobile home after her daughters sought help at a neighbor's home.
Neighbors say Duggan's youngest daughter loosened her bindings, untied her sister and the two ran for help.
Both of the younger girls were hospitalized in fair to good condition, Davis said.
"This is a very quiet neighborhood and there is never a lot going on around here," said Chuck Stradley, a friend and neighbor of the victim. "This is quite an ordeal for our neighborhood."
Griffin has an extensive criminal history with a rap sheet that includes theft, burglary and escape, according to a criminal background check conducted by KDFW-TV.
Griffin was described as a white male, 5-feet-9 inches tall, weighing 172 pounds, with extensive tattoos on his upper body and arms, Davis said. He was believed to have left the crime scene in the family's minivan, a blue Plymouth minivan with Texas license tags, number T55 PPL, Davis said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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