Texas Man Kills Three, Then Himself

By Jaime Aron

RICHARDSON, Texas (AP) -- A man believed to have been lurking around his ex-wife's home ambushed and killed the woman, her mother and their friend, then killed himself early Wednesday with a shotgun that police had confiscated but returned a week earlier.

Alan Dale Price, 48, was found dead inside the home in this Dallas suburb.

Police said he turned his shotgun on himself and gunned down Janette Jeffers, 43; her mother, Margaret Compton, 67; and her friend, Mary Roland, 63.

The 12-year-old son of the woman's current husband escaped from a second-story window and was not injured. He was in the front yard when police arrived.

Officers don't believe he witnessed the shootings. His father was in California on business.

Police Lt. Michael Hauver said the motive was believed to be related to recent legal action between Price and Mrs. Jeffers, who had been divorced about 15 years. Specifics were not known but the case possibly involved child support for their college-age daughter, who was not at the house, he said.

Hauver said the 12-year-old told of Price having a "history of some problems like theft of mail and tire slashing,'' but nothing recently.

On Jan. 3, police had stopped Price for running a red light and impounded the car because it was an overdue rental.

They also took a loaded shotgun from the back seat, even though he was in legal possession of it. He agreed to allow officers to take it for safekeeping, police said.

Sgt. Steve Upchurch said there was "no legal recourse'' but to return the gun when Price requested it Jan. 5.

Late the next day and again this Tuesday, there were reports of a prowler at the house. Police did not get a clear description given, but suspect Price.

Upchurch said Price may have been "lying in wait'' in or near the garage early Wednesday when Ms. Compton and Ms. Roland went to pack their car for a trip. He likely killed them, then went after his ex-wife.