Lubbock murder suspect robbed gas station days before shooting, court docs say

LUBBOCK, Texas — An ATF Special Agent working with the Texas Anti-Gang Unit was surveilling Maurice Hendrix, 21, over a recent robbery at Valero when he was accused of killing 22-year-old Ariel Cade, court records obtained by EverythingLubbock.com on Thursday revealed.

The Lubbock Police Department said investigators were conducting surveillance for an “unrelated criminal investigation” on March 12. Officers radioed for additional help to the 1300 block of 66th Drive at 1:45 p.m.

Court documents stated the special agent saw Hendrix outside of the apartment arguing with Cade when he witnessed Hendrix shoot her in the head. According to court records, several agencies swarmed to the area and started searched for Hendrix. He was spotted by the Texas Department of Public Safety helicopter. After a brief chase, court records said Hendrix was taken into custody at a special-needs childcare facility near 58th Street and Avenue O. He had two guns at the time, one of which was stolen, court records said.

Hendrix was accused of robbing the Valero in the 2000 block of 50th Street just days before the shooting. On March 10 around 11:00 p.m., court records said Hendrix pretended to make a purchase so the cashier would open the register. Court documents said Hendrix then pulled a gun from his waistband, pointed it at the employee and demanded money from the register. Court documents stated it appeared to be a semi-automatic handgun with a laser. According to court records, Hendrix dumped the money into a black bag and grabbed a handful of cigarillos on his way out.

Investigators were able to tie Hendrix to the robbery due to a fingerprint left on the cash register. Court documents stated Hendrix was also listed as a suspect in a residential burglary on March 8. Court records said a handgun with a laser was stolen. The gun matched the description of the one used in the robbery, court documents stated.

Hendrix was charged with Murder, Aggravated Robbery, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Evading Arrest and Theft of a Firearm. As of Thursday, he remained at the Lubbock County Detention Center on bonds totaling $585,000.

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