SAN ANTONIO -- A suspect in a San Antonio double murder has been found dead said local authorities. They say 36-year-old Corey Hiller took a bed sheet and hanged himself early Monday morning.
Last month Hiller was charged with capital murder in the stabbing deaths of his former girlfriend, 39-year-old Rhonda Hammonds, and her friend, 50-year-old Casey Sweetwood in April 19.
San Antonio police chief, William McManus, called the crime "a despicable, inhumane act."
Hiller was being held on a $1 million bond, but was in the Medical Unit recovering from injuries after he was struck by a truck while trying to flee authorities attempting to arrest him.
Hiller was scheduled to be in court Monday morning for a pre-trial hearing. An officer reportedly woke Hiller at around 4 a.m. and started getting him ready for the court appearance.
While making regular rounds 15 minutes later, officers say they found Hiller unresponsive. His bed sheet was tied to the top of a bunk. He was not under a suicide watch.
The Bexar County Medical Examiner pronounced Hiler dead at 4:35 a.m. Monday.
Hammond's 11-year-old son, Curtis, was also stabbed in the attack, but he survived. He was scheduled to be released from University Hospital Monday, but will have to undergo rehabilitation for his injuries at Christus Santa Rosa Hospital.
Family members say Curtis has a long road ahead. His grandmother, Susan Watson, said her grandson is still afraid at times and uses his arms to protect himself. Curtis celebrated his twelfth birthday last Friday while he was still at University Hospital. He is not yet able to talk just yet, but he is aware that his mother is gone. When he has recovered, his home will be with his grandmother.
Bexar County officials say suicide is rare in jail. This is the first case so far this year. In 2011 there were two.
