Suspect in Tyler Murder in Custody

TYLER — A second suspect has been named in the murder of Scott Lester, 26 of Tyler. His body was found in room 218 of American Inn Motel, 1800 West Erwin, just before 7:00 last Sunday morning. It is believed Lester was involved in the sale of narcotics in his motel room before he was killed. Friday, investigators obtained an arrest warrant for Darian Pilkington, 18, of Tyler. Judge Kennedy signed the warrant for capital murder and set the bond at $750,000. Investigators were able to make contact with Pilkington, who turned himself in at around 4:00 Friday afternoon. They are still looking for the second suspect, Lawrence Charles Murphey Jr., 20.

A warrant charging Murphy with murder has been signed by Judge Jack Skeen. Bond on the warrant is set at $1,000,000. Murphy is approximately 5’08” tall and weighs around 170. He has access to a 1989 Chevrolet Caprice bearing Texas license plate CX3G877. Since a firearm was used, Murphy Jr. is considered to be armed and extremely dangerous

Surveillance video obtained from the motel indicates that four black males walked onto the motel property and went to the victim’s room. Two suspects entered Lester’s room while the two other suspects remained outside as lookouts. Investigators determined that Lester and two other subjects were in the room at the time of the shooting. After gunfire erupted and Lester was shot, all four suspects ran from the scene towards West Erwin Street. Officers are trying to identify the other suspects in the case.