ID theft and murder indictments come

KERR COUNTY, Texas (KXAN) - A Kerr County grand jury indicted 16 people Nov. 17 in connection with the murder of Allan Kowalski. Investigators dug up Kowalski's body that had been buried in a shallow grave in the backyard of his Ingram home, located five miles west of Kerrville. The 52-year-old retired investment banker was shot twice in the back of the head.

Charles Tidwell, 45, and Ricardo Giovannetti, 45, were indicted for murder and theft. Kerr County Sheriff Rusty Hierholzer said Kowalski invited Tidwell, a local car mechanic, to live with him to help him out financially. A deputy pulled Tidwell over Oct. 22 and he said he was Kowalski and produced ID, credit cards, and a birth certificate to prove it. Tidwell was arrested for an outstanding drug warrant.

Further investigation led to more than $200,000 worth of stolen classic cars, household furniture, flat screen televisions, guns, arrow head collections, clothes, computers, lamps, animal mounts, a washer and dryer, tools and even a dog. One of the arrow head collections was appraised at $8,000. The Sheriff said one suspect was even attempting to sell Kowalski's residence appraised at more than $530,000.

Some suspects opened charge accounts in Kowalski's name. Wayne Christiansen, 35, and Jeremiah McGregor, 31, were indicted on aggravated assault and theft. Twelve other men and women were indicted on theft charges.

"I truly wish to thank several members of the public for calling my office and advising us of additional leads in this bizarre case," wrote Sheriff Hierholzer in an issued statement. Investigators are still looking for missing classic cars and property. If you know someone who has bought property from any of the suspects, call the Kerr County Sheriff's Office at (830) 896-1216.