LEFORS, TEXAS -- UPDATE: Preliminary autopsy report shows that Kristi Slatten of Lefors died from strangulation. The case is still under investigation by Gray County Sheriffs Office and The Texas Rangers.
Lefors authorities are investigating a homicide case.
At approximately 12:20 p.m. Jan. 1, 2013. Gray County Sheriffs Office received a 911 call regarding a residence in Lefors.
Upon arrival deputies found Kristi Dawn Slatten, 42, dead inside the residence.
There was evidence of foul play and Deputies secured the scene and called in Texas Rangers to assist with the investigation.
According to authorities, the victims Chevrolet Avalanche was missing upon further investigation.
The vehicle was recovered later that afternoon by officers with the Panhandle Police Department, Carson County Sheriffs Office and Texas Highway Patrol, two miles outside of Panhandle.
Two men inside the vehicle were arrested.
Joshua Keith Rigo, 28 of Amarillo was driving the vehicle. Rigo was booked into the Carson County Jail for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, according to a news release.
The passenger of the vehicle, Steve Preston Dean, 47, of Amarillo was arrested on an unrelated charge. Dean was also taken to the Carson County Jail.
At this time, no charges have been filed in connection with Slatten's death. An autopsy has been scheduled in Lubbock and authorities are expecting the preliminary results from that autopsy today.
The investigation is ongoing and Gray County Sheriffs Department are asking anyone with information regarding the case to contact the Department at 806-669-8022.
