Grandfather wants suspect to surrender

LEANDER (KXAN) - The grandfather of a 20 year old homicide suspect in Liberty Hill is begging his grandson to surrender to authorities.

"My advice would be to Zachary that we love you, your Grandmother and I love you and we encourage you to turn yourself in to the authorities if you see this," Gary Smith said Friday, speaking directly to his grandson. "Everybody doesn't know all the circumstances but when it comes out they'll see that you wasn't 100 percent at fault. You weren't justified in taking the knife and doing what you did- but it wasn't 100 percent your fault."

Family members say Price and Richard Meyers, 51, argued Tuesday over $300 Price spent on a veterinary bill for an injured cat he found in the neighborhood. Meyers was the father of Price's younger half brothers and the family all lived together in the Liberty Hill home, but the two men did not always see eye to eye.

"Zachary had warned Richard not to advance him or come any closer," said Smith, based on the story he heard from his younger grandsons who witnessed the altercation. "Richard somehow didn't stop advancing and Zachary threatened that he would stab him if he didn't so then that's what took place- and so Zachary was wrong, he's 100 percent wrong in what he did -- that was no way to resolve anything but Zachary basically in his heart is a good boy and he was trying to get his life right and do the right things."

Smith said Zachary worked as a machinist and was trying to move past an assault conviction and a stint in jail for a fight back in 2009. His grandparents are concerned they have not heard from him since authorities say he stabbed Meyers to death.

"He couldn't go far on the money that he had," said Smith. "I think he would contact us but we've had no contact with him."

Williamson County authorities are searching wooded areas around Leander and Liberty Hill looking for Price or the vehicle he was last seen driving, a white 2000 Pontiac Bonneville with Texas license plate DN4-W868. Authorities have said Price could be dangerous, but his grandfather disagrees.

"Our main concern is that people don't understand and they think, well, here's a young man that's killed somebody and he's a danger and he's a threat to society and that's not what happened at all- he's no danger- he's no threat to society- he's just a man that made a horrible mistake and he shouldn't have done it," said Smith.

Richard Meyers funeral arrangements are still pending. He is survived by his three sons.