Murder Suspect's Parents Sue City of Wichita Falls to Get Seized Guns and Car Back

The parents of a Wichita Falls murder suspect are suing the city in order to get back property that detectives seized during the murder investigation, reports the Wichita Falls Times New Record. Their son, Kody Lott, is suspected in the murder of a 13-year-old girl who was shot and killed while walking home from school in September. Laura Landavazo and Makayla Smith were walking home together when the two were shot. Smith survived her injuries, but Landavazo did not. Lott, 21, was arrested several days later and now faces charges for murder, aggravated assault and possession of prohibited weapons. His mother and stepfather are now suing and claiming that the city violated their rights by seizing and withholding guns, ammunition and a vehicle for the criminal investigation. Kristi Lyn Roland and Bryan Roland said in the lawsuit filed Jan. 18 that they want their property returned and they want to be reimbursed for the expenses they had to take on in order to rent a vehicle while theirs is impounded.The couples' attorney, Rickey Bunch, said the retention of the vehicle is "unnecessary for this investigation." The Rolands, he said, are being denied the "use and pleasure of this vehicle" and are being forced to pay for a rental in its place.The lawsuit also seeks the return of guns and ammunition that police took days after the shooting and that the couples' second, fourth and 14th amendment rights are being violated.One of the guns that was seized, a semi-automatic .22 caliber rifle owned by Bryan Roland, police said they suspect is the murder weapon."Detectives seized the rifle used in the offense along with an assortment of other weapons, ammunition, and accessories that were not used in the offenses and are not evidence of any criminal offense and defendant refuse to return them to Plaintiffs, " the suit says.Lott told investigators that he did not live with his parents at the time of the shooting, but that he did have access to their apartment. Bryan Roland claims that Lott broke in and stole his weapons and ammunition.   Continue reading...