Authorities in Texas say a man suspected of recently committing a murder was obsessed with the co-worker he killed and claimed her “long vacation” was the main reason for the murder.
Travis Merrill, 51, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of fatally shooting co-worker Tamhara Collazo at her desk. Both men worked at the Allegiance Trucks office in Lewisville, about 30 miles north of Dallas.
Police say Merrill opened fire Thursday afternoon after the victim returned from his lunch break. She was taken to the hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.
“When she re-entered after lunch, he followed her into a private room, 'ambushed' her and fired his gun several times,” the witness obtained. FOX 4 Dallas I will explain.
At least 7 dead after gangway collapse at Georgia ferry pier: officials
Travis Merrill, 51, was arrested after he reportedly shot and killed a co-worker. (FOX 4 Dallas/Denton County Jail)
According to court documents, Merrill admitted that he was “obsessed” with the victim and was distracted during his breaks at work. The suspect said he carefully kept track of how many days Merrill took breaks and for how long.
”[Merrill said he] He became obsessed with Colasso and became increasingly angry that she would take long breaks during work hours that he believed were not allowed and that she would not pay him any attention. says the document.
Mr. Colasso noticed Mr. Merrill's problematic behavior and reported it to the company's human resources department. The suspect was ordered to undergo counseling before returning to work.
Merrill also told police that after Collazo made the report, he became enraged because he avoided Merrill at work. He then bought a firearm and even told police he brought it to work several times.
Child dies while pranking at Halloween attraction: 'Horrifying accident'
Merrill made numerous confessions to police after the killing, according to the affidavit. (Denton County Jail, via FOX 4 Dallas)
According to FOX 4, Merrill claimed that the victim “caused him pain and he intentionally planned to shoot her in front of everyone at work because he wanted her to feel pain.”
Allegiance Trucks released a statement to FOX 4 expressing shock over the incident and said its Louisville office is closed following the shooting.
Allegiance Trucks said in a statement: “We are providing support to the victim's family and our remaining employees, who fortunately were not harmed, and have closed our Louisville office indefinitely. “We are also working closely with law enforcement agencies.”
“Unfortunately, we join a growing community of workplaces nationwide affected by gun violence, and we ask for your community's support.”
The shooting occurred Thursday at the Allegiance Truck in Lewisville, Texas. (FOX 4 Dallas)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Louisville Police Department and Allegiance Trucking for additional information.
