Lockney J.P. Arrested for
Shooting Husband
Shooting Husband
MICHELLE ARAUJO
By Alice Gilroy
Lockney Justice of the Peace Michelle Araujo, 33, was arrested Saturday, March 10, for allegedly shooting her husband, Romeo Araujo, 39. She was brought before Judge Penny Golightly at approximately 3:15 p.m. Saturday, and charged with Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.
Because Araujo is an elected official, the Floyd County Sheriff's Office turned the investigation over to the Texas Rangers. Ranger Marshall Thomas is handling the investigation.
Only a few details of the shooting are available for publication because of the ongoing investigation.
According to Law Enforcement authorities, the Floyd County Sheriff's Department was notified by W.J. Mangold Memorial Hospital that a shooting victim had been brought to the hospital by private vehicle.
Mr. Araujo was then taken by helicopter to UMC Hospital in Lubbock where he underwent surgery for multiple gunshot wounds to the abdomen area.
Mr. Araujo was able to give a statement to authorities and Michelle was later arrested at home after law enforcement spoke to a witness.
The shooting allegedly took place at the Araujo's home, approximately 7 miles north of Lockney on FM 378.
According to District Attorney Becky McPherson the charge of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon is a 2nd Degree Felony. "This is the same degree as attempted murder and from the initial investigation we know she intended to shoot him but we need further investigation to determine if she was trying to kill him."
A person convicted of a 2nd Degree Felony can be sentenced to 2-20 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
After arraignment, Michelle Araujo immediately bonded out on a $25,000 bond set by Judge Golightly. Usually a bondsman requires 15% of the bond.
According to McPherson, Randall County District Attorney James Farren will present this case to the Floyd County Grand Jury.
"It will go before a Grand Jury," said McPherson.
Michelle Araujo also serves as the City Judge of Lockney.
She was appointed Justice of the Peace in October 1999, by the Floyd County Commissioners. She was then elected and has served in that capacity since then.
She is the daughter of Robert and Libby Delgado, of Lockney. She graduated Lockney High School in 1992, and attended Ranger Junior College for one year on a track scholarship.
She then transferred to South Plains College in Levelland and received her Associate of Arts degree in Criminal Justice. She then attended Texas Tech and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a minor in Spanish and Business Management.
The Araujos have been married for 14 years and have 4 children.
Romeo is the son of Angel and Emma Araujo, of Lockney. He is a farmer. He is currently listed in stable condition.
CAN ARAUJO CONTINUE TO SERVE?
Many questions have been posed on the legality of Araujo serving as Justice of the Peace after being charged with a felony.
According to District Attorney Becky McPherson, "According to Art. 16, Section 2, an elected official would be automatically removed from office if convicted of a felony. The arrest itself is not grounds for an automatic removal."
However, the County Attorney of a County, can initiate a removal suit of an elected official based on certain criteria.
Two citizens can also bring a petition for removal of an elected official to a County Attorney. However the decision to move forward with the petition would ultimately be up to the County Attorney.
When questioned on the grounds or procedures to remove an elected official, Floyd County Attorney Lex Herrington said, "I've never had any cause to research that. I don't know what the grounds are to remove an elected official and I have no idea where to find it right now."
The grounds for removal can be found in Chapter 87 of the Local Government Code.
The code states an elected official can be removed for incompetency, official misconduct, or intoxication caused by drinking alcoholic beverage.
