By Kim Hilsenbeck

The Kyle Police Department continues its investigation into a double homicide that took place in the 800 block of Sledge Street.

According to a city of Kyle release, the victims were identified as Tina Combs, 44, of Arlington, and James Wright, 45, of Kyle. 

Kyle Police Chief Jeff Barnett said the bodies were found June 25. Officers arrived late that evening on a welfare call from an out-of-town relative who was concerned because they had not heard from the occupants of the home for several days. 

After hearing of his death, Kyle native Loretta Castillo said she would miss Wright whom she described as a regular patron at the Dark Horse Lodge on Center Street. She said she enjoyed the music, drinks and hanging out with friends like Jim.

“I know nothing new of the investigation but Jim was a good friend of mine,” Castillo said. “It was ALWAYS a fun time with him. He was a very humble, sweet man and would go above and beyond for his family and friends.”

She said she will remember Jim for his voice.

“One thing I forgot to mention was Jim’s loud raspy voice.  If you remembered anything about him it would be that,” she said.

Castillo said a benefit and silent auction will be held at the Dark Horse on July 1.

“We are having a benefit and silent auction for him tomorrow at Dark Horse to help raise money for the family and help with the transport of his body and funeral expenses.  All sales from that day go to the family,” she said.

Hays County Pct. 2 Justice of the Peace Beth Smith ordered autopsies of both bodies. As of press time, no cause of death was released. 

Wright’s next door neighbor Ben Falcon, who built his home in 1968, said he feels safe living in the neighborhood.

“We didn’t know [the deceased] and we didn’t hear nothing,” he said. 

No arrests have been made in the case and detectives with Kyle Police Department are investigating all information and leads. 

Castillo said, “Thank you again for running this story. Hoping for justice soon.”

Editor’s note: an earlier version of this story described Wright as a bartender at the Dark Horse Lodge. He was a patron there but not en employee. We apologize for the error.