Henderson Co. Man Allegedly Kills Girlfriend, Charged with Murder

PAYNE SPRINGS (Staff/AP) — An East Texas man has been charged with murder after it was determined the victim, his girlfriend, did not die from suicide. According to KETK, Henderson County Sheriff Ray Nutt says authorities were called to the 7000 block of Porthville Drive near Payne Springs around 4:30 Saturday morning. Clyde Jason Tennison, a resident there, reportedly said he found Deborah Denise Allen, 47, dead in the home. It was also learned Tennison was in a relationship with Allen and they lived together, according to authorities. Chief Deputy Botie Hillhouse said Tennison suggested the case was a suicide.

Allen’s body was sent for autopsy in Dallas. Preliminary reports revealed the woman died from blunt force trauma, lacerations, and stab wounds to her facial and neck areas that officials say were inconsistent with suicide. Tennison, 50, was arrested and booked into the Henderson County Detention Center on a murder charge. His bail was set at $1 million. The investigation is ongoing.