Sheriff's Office IDs Man Who Fatally Shot His Kidnapped Ex Before Shooting Self In Head

SOUTH AUSTIN, TX — Travis County Sheriff's Office officials on Tuesday identified the man who fatally shot his ex-girlfriend after kidnapping her from a place of business on Feb. 15.

Charles Werchan, 26, of Elgin, Texas, was rushed to South Austin Hospital in critical condition on Feb. 15 after shooing himself in the head after fatally shooting Ibeth Lopez. Werchan went to a Sport Clips business in Bastrop on Burch Drive where Lopez was, forcing her out of the business at gunpoint. Sheriff's deputies later located the two and opened fire on Werchan after he shot Lopez.

Werchan was pronounced brain dead at 3:23 a.m. on Feb. 16. The Travis County Medical Examiner's Office has taken custody of Werchan's body to determine the cause of death. Results are pending toxicology results. Officials said the investigation into the kidnapping, murder and involvement in the shooting by TCSO deputies is ongoing, and details will be released upon its completion.

The same day he shot Lopez, Werchan posted a video of himself on Facebook singing along to a rap song while wielding a gun. His final selfie is of him against a blue sky with the caption: No more pain.

The family of the slain woman has set up a GoFundMe campaign to help defray funeral costs. At last check, the drive has raised $7,265 of a $30,000 goal.

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