A brutal assault in Texas has left a 57-year-old father of two dead, with three individuals now facing charges for his murder. The victim, Paluku Valantin, was reportedly attacked for his food stamp card, which was stolen from him after he was beaten and struck with a glass bottle, according to law enforcement officials.
Valantin, a resident of Amarillo, was discovered by a local citizen who attempted to aid him by bringing him to his home. Unfortunately, the injuries Valantin sustained from the attack were severe and ultimately led to his death. The suspects in the case have been identified as Thomas Rendon, 33, Alline Ndayishimiye, 30, and Dashaun Jackson, 18, as reported by local news outlets.
The Amarillo Police Department issued statements following the incident, detailing how Valantin succumbed to his injuries within the home of the individual who found him. The injuries were primarily to his head and face, sustained during the assault that took place on Bluebell Street. Law enforcement officials have stated that the motive for the attack was Valantin’s EBT food stamp card, which the suspects allegedly intended to steal.
Security footage reviewed by the Amarillo Police Department reportedly shows Ndayishimiye approaching Valantin and demanding his food stamp card. When Valantin refused, Ndayishimiye is believed to have signaled to Rendon and Jackson, who were waiting in a black BMW, to join in the assault. Valantin, originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, was then brutally attacked.
The three suspects were apprehended by authorities the day following the incident. They have been charged with aggravated robbery and murder. Witnesses have reported that the suspects also stole Valantin’s cellphone during the assault.
The individual who discovered Valantin initially believed he had fallen asleep in his bathroom. It was only later that he realized Valantin had died from his injuries. Valantin is survived by his two sons. As of Monday, court records indicate that Ndayishimiye, Jackson, and Rendon remain in custody, awaiting their next court appearances.