Murder Suspect Search Sends Schools Into Soft Lock Down
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Update: December 19, 10:31 pm - Fort Worth police confirm Madewell has been taken into custody.
CROWLEY (CBS 11 NEWS) - As the hunt for a wanted murder suspect neared the 24-hour mark in Crowley, nearby schools took precautions to protect their students.
Joshua Independent School District put all of its campuses on a soft lockdown, while Joshua Police stepped up patrols around HD Staples Elementary School and every other campus.
Authorities say the subject of their day-old manhunt, 40-year-old Kristun Madewell has children who attend Joshua ISD schools, and took the steps as a precaution.
Madewell is wanted for the murder of Christopher Ortega in south Fort Worth last Friday. On Thursday, Fort Worth Police scaled down the large-scale search they conducted in Crowley the night before. Fugitive and other undercover officers are also helping with the search.
Parents admit all the activity is out of the ordinary for the area, but was pleased with the extra efforts to keep the kids safe, which included keeping kids inside for gym class and recess.
"It's kind of different. You're not really used to that stuff around here. It's normally quiet, it was kind of worrisome," said mother Misty Brook. "I just hope they find him and take care of what needs to be done."
But Lisa Curry, who has three children at different schools, wants a higher level of security.
"I would prefer a total lockdown. Even if they were to stay here 'til 5 or 6pm tonight or have the parents come in one by one to take them out and have them escorted out with police."
A Joshua ISD spokesperson says school should return to normal tomorrow.
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