GARLAND - It was another tragic turn of events in an already gut-wrenching story. Alan Nevil died Thursday night, two weeks after telling police he was shot by his 12-year-old stepdaughter and her 13-year-old boyfriend.
After talking with police, 48-year-old Nevil slipped into a coma. Nevil's wife, 46-year-old Darlene Savage Nevil, died on August 16, the day they were shot.
"He's always been a good friend,’ said Juan Garcia, Nevil’s neighbor and childhood friend. “I will miss him deeply."
Under Texas law, a double homicide suspect is eligible for a capital murder charge, and Garland police say they intend to bring that charge.
If found guilty, the children face up to 40 years in prison. However, because of their age, the death penalty is not an option. Harn says both suspects remain in the Dallas County Juvenile Detention Center.
"They will not be tried as adults because they are not old enough to be certified,” said Joe Harn, Garland Police Department.
While Nevil was in a coma for two weeks, his wife’s body has been awaiting burial. She moved to Garland from Ohio in 2006. Friends say her daughter was troubled, and police report she ran away from home in July.
Garcia, with teenage kids of his own, says he sees it as a cautionary tale.
"If your kids are going to have a boyfriend, you better check him out pretty good,” he said.
Police have declined to identify the children or reveal their relationship to the Nevils because they are minors.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
