Palestine police make arrest in double homicide

Police are investigating a double homicide in Palestine. (Source: KLTV Staff)

PALESTINE, TX (KLTV) - Palestine police have made an arrest in a June 20 double homicide.

Kevin Birdow, 35, of Palestine, has been charged with capital murder in the case. Birdow was arrested over the weekend for unrelated drug charges, stemming from a search warrant conducted on July 30 on Ike Street in Palestine. He was booked into the Anderson County Jail, where he remains. Bond has not been set.

In June, officers responded to a call of shots fired inside of a residence in the 900 block of Conway Street. Officers believe four people were inside the home, including a male that they believe is the shooter. Two victims were found, one male and one female, along with one other person who called police. The victims were identified as Timothy Laban Owens, 39, of Palestine, and Ashley Quinn, 25, of Palestine.

Owens was pronounced dead at the scene. Quinn was transported to a local hospital, where she later died.

The police department released a statement on the case Tuesday, saying:

Detectives interviewed several witnesses and persons of interest in connection with the investigation before meeting with the Anderson County District Attorney's Office last week to review the case.

"Detectives have worked non-stop on this case from the inception, interviewing possible witnesses, family members, and other known associates of the Owens and Quinn", stated Palestine Police Department Administrative Captain James Muniz. "I'm proud of their effort and dedication on this case, bringing it to a resolution."

Anderson County District Attorney Allyson Mitchell added, "We look forward to working with the Palestine Police Department in seeking justice for the victims in this case."