By KERA News & Wire Services
Dallas, TX – Friends and family members say a man found dead inside a Dallas-Fort Worth suburban church is believed to be the pastor of their church.
They say a severely beaten woman police discovered inside NorthPointe Baptist Church in Arlington Thursday was his ministry assistant.
Arlington police spokeswoman Tiara Richard said the woman's car is missing from the church and they are searching for suspects. Richard said the victims were NorthPointe employees but police had not identified them.
She said the dead man was in his late 20s. The injured woman was in her 60s and taken to John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth where she is in critical condition.
The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that associates identified them as the Rev. Clint Dobson and Judy Elliott, both of Arlington.
House debates proposed new abortion rules
A bill late that would require doctors to perform a sonogram at least 24 hours before ending a pregnancy cleared a major hurdle late Thursday. Lawmakers voted 103-42 to move toward a final vote.
In addition to the sonogram, the legislation would also require doctors to play the fetal heartbeat and give the woman a detailed description of the fetus, whether she wants it or not.
The bill must now be reconciled with a less stringent Senate version, which the House rejected during Thursday's debate. Gov. Rick Perry gave the measure emergency status that allowed the vote to take place so early in the legislative session.
Opponents say the bill is designed to shame women seeking an abortion. Supporters say it merely ensures the woman comprehends what an abortion involves.
Teacher layoffs would hamper some local economies
Gov. Rick Perry can't quit talking about jobs. But if he realizes his vision of a budget balanced through cuts alone, 100,000 teachers could lose their jobs.
That's about a third of the 333,000 teachers employed by Texas public schools.
Despite the tough budget situation, Perry has asked for $50 million to spend on his Texas Enterprise Fund. That money is given to companies for doing business in Texas. That money could keep 1,000 teachers employed.
Perry has also asked for $20 million for the Texas Film Commission to give moviemakers when they film in Texas. That money could save 400 teacher jobs.
The Legislature is debating whether to grant Perry his requests, or use that money elsewhere.
Prosecutors want Texas rape conviction dismissed
Prosecutors have asked to declare innocent a Texas man who spent 17 years in prison for a 1987 rape he didn't commit.
The Harris County District Attorney's Office submitted paperwork Thursday to clear 50-year-old George Rodriguez. Prosecutors say DNA tests found on hairs at the scene prove Rodriguez did not commit the crime.
A ruling on the request could come Friday.
Rodriguez has been free since a court ruled in 2004 that faulty evidence was presented at trial. The case was later dismissed amid concerns the rape victim would have to testify at another trial.
The victim testified that two men raped her in a Houston home. A resident of the house also was convicted, and officials say DNA confirmed his role in the attack. He is serving a 60-year prison sentence.