Rockdale police are investigating what they’ve termed a “capital murder.” Fifty-three-year-old James Dyer died at 10 a.m. Saturday at Round Rock Seton Hospital, 16 days after police said he was discovered, badly beaten, in a Rockdale apartment. Lt. Stephen Goodrich said police were called to Walter’s Motel & Efficiency Apartments, 513 East Cameron, on Friday, Jan. 31. “The victim was very badly beaten and had numerous injuries,” Goodrich said. Police are terming the death a “capital murder case.” Capital murder, in Texas, is punishable by death. As such, it must be proved to have occurred in certain circumstances. One of those circumstances is a murder during the commission of another felony. “This appears to have been the result of a burglary/robbery,” Goodrich said. “That is the reason it qualifies as a capital offense.” Dyer was employed as an oilfield worker. He was a Rockdale native, attended Rockdale schools and was a member of the Rockdale High School Class of 1984. Dyer had recently observed his 53rd birthday. Goodrich said the victim was beaten with a blunt object. “We are awaiting autopsy results to determine what kind of an object was used,” Goodrich said.
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