Authorities arrested Kruz Dean Wanser on Jan. 15 after Margaret Pennington, 37, was found dead in an Azle, Texas, residence on Jan. 11. Wanser's booking photo showed him wearing a hoodie that read "I will put you in a trunk and help people look for you," with "Stop playing with me" beneath it. He faces charges including evidence tampering, drug possession with intent to deliver, drug possession and a parole violation. Officials say the cause of Pennington's death is pending and have asked the public to contact the Azle Police Department with tips.
Man Arrested After Woman Found Dead in Texas; Booking Photo Shows Hoodie Reading 'I Will Put You In a Trunk'
Azle Police DepartmentKruz Dean Wanser
Authorities arrested Kruz Dean Wanser on Jan. 15 in connection with the death of 37-year-old Margaret Pennington, who was found inside a residence in Azle, Texas, on Jan. 11.
When taken into custody, Wanser's booking photograph showed him wearing a blue hoodie bearing a disturbing message across the front. The Azle Police Department described the wording on the garment as:
Azle Police DepartmentKruz Dean Wanser
"I will put you in a trunk and help people look for you"
Stop playing with me
Wanser is being held on multiple charges, including:
- Tampering with or fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair a human corpse
- Possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance
- Possession of a controlled substance
- Parole violation
The arrest was made in coordination with the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division, the Texas Rangers, the United States Marshals Service and the Parker County Special Crimes Unit, the police said in a news release.
Azle Police DepartmentKruz Dean Wanser
Officials have described Pennington's death as "suspicious" and say the cause of death is still pending while investigators continue their work. The Azle Police Department urged anyone with information to contact investigators at 817-444-3221.
An online obituary posted by Forest Meadows Funeral Home in Gainesville, Fla., where Pennington was born, remembered her as "deeply loved by her family and friends" and highlighted her creative, sentimental nature and interests in baking, crocheting, music, genealogy and collecting vintage items. The notice noted her "spunky personality, quick wit and unmistakable sense of humor."
The Azle Police Department did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment.
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