Brownwood News – Two suspects in a string of vandalism incidents that occurred in Early the night of June 4-5, have turned themselves into police and confessed to spray painting homes, vehicles, and a movie screen inside the Regal Movie Theater at the Heartland Mall.
Early Police obtained arrest warrants Wednesday for Matthew Allen Keefe, 21, of Brownwood, and Jesse Rodriguez, 21, of Abilene, after the pair spoke with Detective Brandon McMillian regarding the incident.
Keefe and Rodriguez admitted to the detective they had been drinking that evening.
The pair also told the detective they went to a mobile home park in Early and spray-painted several mobile homes and vehicles. Afterwards, the men drove to the mall, where they reportedly found an unlocked door. The two confessed to entering the theater and and spray-painting lines across one of the movie screens.
Keefe’s mother, Misty Back, explained her son and his friend have been very cooperative with law enforcement. She also praised the Early and Brownwood Police Departments for their professionalism.
“He was really kind,” Back said of Early Detective Brandon McMillian. “The police are not bad, if you’re honest and do the right thing and turn yourself in, it’s going to be better.”
Back stated Keefe was planning to participate in an alcohol abuse recovery program. “He drank too much alcohol and made a mistake, and he’s ready to do what’s right,” Back said.
The Early Police Department was notified Monday of two possible suspects in the vandalism case after a caller contacted a Brown County Sheriff’s deputy, who then forwarded the information to Detective McMillian. The detective visited Misty Back’s home, inquiring about her son. Back was on the phone with Keefe, who told the detective he and Rodriguez were going to meet with law enforcement to confess.
Matthew Allen Keefe and Jesse Rodriguez were booked into the Brown County Jail on warrants for burglary of a building (with intent to commit criminal mischief) and graffiti over $2,500 under $30,000. The pair were bonded out shortly after booking. Neither have any previous arrests recorded.
