A Tennessee couple transporting millions of dollars worth of cocaine through Texas was killed during a shootout with police during a traffic stop, authorities said Thursday.
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday that Edward and Elizabeth Stephenson were identified in an illegal drug sting.
The undercover operation allowed investigators to obtain a search warrant for the Stevensons’ home, and detectives found nearly a pound of suspected methamphetamine, fentanyl and multiple drugs inside the home Thursday, according to the sheriff’s office. They said they found firearms, bulletproof vests and ammunition.
During the investigation, detectives learned that the Stevensons were driving a semi-truck loaded with illegal drugs and were armed.
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On Thursday, Edward and Elizabeth Stephenson were killed in a shootout with law enforcement in Texas. The couple was suspected of selling illegal drugs for a Mexican cartel. (Putnam County Sheriff’s Office)
“Edward and Elizabeth had previously stated that if law enforcement attempted to stop them, they would die in ‘suicide by cop,'” the sheriff’s office said.
Authorities found multiple firearms, body armor and ammunition inside the couple’s home while executing a search warrant Thursday. (Putnam County Sheriff’s Office)
Detectives immediately notified the Donley County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety about the couple.
When Donley County deputies tried to stop the semi-truck, the couple continued driving for several miles before coming to a stop, officials said.
According to the sheriff’s office, Edward and Elizabeth then got out of the car and fired shots at the deputy and other officers. The Stevensons were killed in the ensuing gunfight.
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When authorities searched the couple’s car, they found approximately 64 pounds of cocaine with an estimated value of $3.4 million. The sheriff’s office said the drugs appear to be on their way to Tennessee.
According to the sheriff’s office, authorities found drugs at the couple’s residence and inside the semi-truck they were driving in Texas. (Putnam County Sheriff’s Office)
Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris accused the open border policy of making it easier for “Mexican cartel members and their associates” to traffic illegal drugs into small communities.
Farris said the cocaine seized from the Stevensons was likely mixed with fentanyl before being sold to individuals.
The sheriff thanked area residents for anonymous tips about the couple.
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“If at any time you see something suspicious, please call us and we’ll look into it,” Farris said. “In this particular case, that most likely saved lives.”
