East Texas Suspicious Death Arrest

The crime happened on November 23, 2012 at 1:20 in the morning. Tyler Police recieved a call from East Texas EMS regarding a man they were transporting to the East Texas Medical Center emergency room.

EMS personnel stated the man had sustained serious injuries and police assistance was needed. Officers arrived to the heavily wooded area northeast of Blue Mountain Blvd. Responding officers secured the scene and began speaking with those present at the time the individual was injured. During this time officers were contacted by ETMC medical staff and learned the man, identified as Chad Everett Davis, 38, from Tyler had died.

The investigation revealed that Davis was struck by a vehicle in a wooded area. The vehicle was driven by a male friend that Davis had been drinking with that night.

Investigators secured an arrest warrant for Justin Wayne Staples of Tyler. Staples is charged with Manslaughter- a 2nd degree felony and bond has been set at $100,000. Staples surrendered to authorities on November 30, 2012 and was booked into the Smith County Jail.