Lisa Ann Guetter of Quitman has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of her 71-year-old boyfriend, Donald Kaping, according to investigators with the Wood County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO). Guetter, 59, is accused of causing the death of Gene Donald Kaping, in an incident that allegedly occurred April 2, 2026, at their residence.
The case began April 3 when a registered nurse at a Tyler hospital contacted the sheriff’s office after Kaping was airlifted to the emergency room in critical condition. Medical staff reported the elderly man was severely bruised and “suffering from altered mental status.” Authorities were told the victim had been left outside overnight for about 12 hours without medical attention. Kaping later died from those reported injuries.
According to WCSO investigators, Guetter told deputies she had been driving a modified golf cart in the driveway late that night after consuming alcohol and struck Kaping at approximately 15 miles per hour with the front right corner of the vehicle. She said he was thrown from the impact, landed near rocks and briefly got up before coming to rest on the pavement.
Guetter told authorities she was “pretty sure” Kaping hit some rocks when he was knocked down but that he initially asked her not to call for help. Investigators reported Guetter admitted to leaving Kaping outside through the night and into the following day, checking on him periodically but not seeking medical assistance even after he stopped responding.
Guetter was initially arrested April 9 and charged with abandoning or endangering an elderly individual, a state jail felony, prior to Kaping’s death. Following his death and continued investigation, the charge was upgraded to first-degree murder.
While executing a search of the residence April 16, investigators reported finding a handwritten note that read, “Why let him be there? Why not shoot him?” Authorities did not publicly state who wrote the note.
Authorities also noted what they described as inconsistencies in Guetter’s account. She claimed the golf cart had no brakes, but investigators said testing showed the brakes were functional and capable of leaving skid marks, though none were found at the scene. Deputies further stated the circular driveway provided clear visibility, which investigators said suggested Guetter would have been aware of Kaping’s location while driving.
Investigators cited a history of domestic disturbances involving the couple. On Feb. 21, deputies responded to a 911 call reporting that Guetter, who was alleged to be intoxicated, had physically assaulted Kaping, and a close family member reportedly recorded the incident. Witness statements reported by investigators described Guetter as controlling and violent, particularly when drinking. Her ex-husband told investigators she was allegedly prone to violent behavior while intoxicated.
Based on the totality of the investigation, authorities allege Guetter deliberately struck Kaping with the golf cart, causing injuries that led to his death. The case remains under investigation, and Guetter has been charged with first-degree murder in Wood County. She is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.