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Man accused in San Saba stabbing that left 3 people dead charged with capital murder

Posted at 9:23 AM, Feb 21, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-27 17:19:31-05

SAN SABA, Texas — A man accused of stabbing 3 people to death, including a 13-year-old, has been charged with capital murder.

Sixty two-year-old Ronnie Crim, 44-year-old Elizabeth Crim and 13-year-old Taylor Berkley were found dead in a home at the 700 block of South Bluffton Street the morning of Friday, February 21.

A fourth person, an 18-year-old woman, managed to escape and call 911 around 4:37 a.m.

Family has confirmed the survivor is Daniela Valencia.

She told police a 22-year-old male suspect stabbed a total of four individuals at the home. The Mills County Sheriff's Office has identified him as Anthony Wayne Pierce.

Police say the suspect was in a victim's vehicle trying to get away when they arrived. They say a chase ensued, and Pierce crashed north of Goldthwaite before being taken into custody.

"There is no further threat to anyone in the community. The suspect is in custody." police said.

Pierce was arrested for evading arrest and assault on a police officer. He is being held on a $500,000 bond on each of the current charges, totalling to $1 million.

On Thursday, February 27, Pierce was charged with capital murder pursuant to a warrant by the Texas Rangers.

San Saba ISD said Berkley was a middle school student at the school.

A letter went out to parents at San Saba ISD to inform them of the situation. The letter said that there will be counselors and pastors at the school on Friday.

The following is the letter:

Dear Parents and staff,

I want to assure everyone that your students are safe and being at school and maintaining a routine is what our counselors have recommended. We have many counselors and pastors that will available for anyone who needs counseling. Your children are safe. The tragedy that took place this morning was off campus. The suspect was apprehended and there is no threat to any students. We visited with local law enforcement early this morning to confirm these details. Thank you for your support as we deal with this terrible event. We will keep you informed as law enforcement gives us more details.

Sincerely,
Wayne Kelly

San Saba ISD Superintendent.

Since the investigation began, family members say they have not been able to obtain much information.

"Its been hard. They don’t want to tell us nothing. And us being the family members, they should be telling us what’s going on," said Lynda Valdez/sister of Elizabeth Crim.

Pierce, an estranged relative to the victim’s family, remains at the Mills County Jail.

A GoFundMe has been started to help the survivor, Valencia. "This money will be helping her with clothes, gas, groceries, helping with her moms bills, and possibly saving for a car in her future," according to the account.