Texas Police Arrest Man in Connection With Stabbing Death of Woman

KAUFMAN, Texas – A manhunt in Kaufman County, Texas, is over after investigators arrested Daniel Joseph Griffin in connection with the slaying of an area woman and kidnapping of her 19-year-old daughter.

Around midnight Wednesday, Griffin was arrested and taken into custody in Houston; he will be transported back to Kaufman County later Thursday, according to Kaufman County police. The kidnap victim, Christina Harrison, has been returned to the area and is said to be in good condition and with family.

Joining the Kaufman County Sheriff's Department in its search for Griffin was the Texas Rangers, U.S. Marshalls, Harris County Sheriff's Department, and the Department of Public Safety Criminal Intelligence Division.

An arrest warrant on a charge of aggravated sexual assault was issued Tuesday for Griffin, 34, sought by police in connection with the murder Monday of Sheri Lynn Duggan, according to a report by FOX affiliate KDFW-TV. Duggan's other daughters were left tied up in the family home.

Griffin's mother, Penny, told FOX News on Wednesday 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."

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 earlier in the week.

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.