At a Glance
- Kruz Dean Wanser was arrested on January 15 in connection with the death of Margaret Pennington, 37, in Azle, Texas.
- His booking photo showed him wearing a hoodie that read: “I will put you in a trunk and help people look for you.”
- Pennington was found dead inside a residence on January 11; her cause of death is still pending.
- Why it matters: The arrest highlights a chilling visual detail that has drawn national attention to the case.
A Texas man taken into custody in connection with a suspicious death was photographed wearing a hoodie with a disturbing message that has since gone viral.
Arrest and Charges
Kruz Dean Wanser was arrested on January 15 by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division, the Texas Rangers, the United States Marshals, and the Parker County Special Crimes Unit, according to a release from the Azle Police Department.
Wanser faces several charges:
- Tampering with or fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair a human corpse
- Possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance
- Possession of a controlled substance
- Parole violation
He is currently being held in custody as the investigation continues.
The Hoodie That Stunned Authorities
During his booking, Wanser wore a blue hoodie with a message printed in white letters across the front. The message read:
“I will put you in a trunk and help people look for you.”
Beneath that, in italics, were the words:
“Stop playing with me.”
The hoodie has drawn widespread attention due to its ominous phrasing coinciding with the circumstances of Pennington’s death.
Victim Remembered by Family
Margaret Pennington, 37, was found dead inside a residence in Azle on January 11. While her cause of death has not yet been released, authorities have labeled the case a “suspicious death.”
An online obituary posted by Forest Meadows Funeral Home in Gainesville, Florida-Pennington’s birthplace-described her as “deeply loved by her family and friends.”
“Margaret had a creative and sentimental spirit. She found comfort in baking, crocheting, enjoyed music, had a keen interest in genealogy, and loved collecting vintage treasures that carried history and meaning,” the obituary stated.
It added: “She valued time spent with friends and family and was known for her spunky personality, quick wit, and unmistakable sense of humor. Though small in stature, she had a strong presence and a way of leaving an impression on those who knew her.”
Investigation Continues
Authorities have not confirmed Wanser’s relationship to Pennington or whether he is being considered a suspect in her death. He was previously described as a “person of interest” in a Facebook post by the Azle Police Department.
“At this time, [Pennington’s] cause of death is still pending. This is an open investigation and anyone with any information related to the death of Pennington is encouraged to contact the Azle Police Department at 817-444-3221,” the release stated.
The department did not immediately respond to a request for additional information from News Of Los Angeles.
Key Takeaways
- January 11: Margaret Pennington, 37, found dead in Azle, Texas.
- January 15: Kruz Dean Wanser arrested wearing hoodie with threatening message.
- Status: Cause of death pending; Wanser held on multiple charges including evidence tampering and drug offenses.
- Next Steps: Police urge anyone with information to come forward as the investigation remains active.
