Don Lutz

UNSOLVED: Amarillo Business Owner Shot While Waiting for Trick-or-Treaters

Donald “Don” Lutz was spending Halloween evening at his north Amarillo home, waiting for his grandchildren and neighborhood trick-or-treaters, when someone shot him to death. More than two decades later, investigators are still searching for his killer.^[1]

Lutz was born in Amarillo on July 14, 1947, and graduated from Palo Duro High School in 1965. He formerly worked for Mesa Petroleum before returning to Amarillo to help care for his father. At the time of his death, the 56-year-old owned Kwik Kar Lube and Tune near Southwest 45th Avenue and Coulter Street.^[2]

On October 31, 2003, Lutz left work early because his grandchildren planned to meet him for Halloween. Police believe he was killed inside his home at 328 W. Studebaker Avenue sometime between approximately 6:15 and 6:45 p.m.

Evidence indicated that Lutz was home alone, relaxing and watching television before going to the front door. A bowl filled with Halloween candy remained just inside the entrance.

Investigators found no evidence of a burglary or robbery. The house had not been ransacked, and police determined that Lutz had not surprised an intruder after arriving home. Although damage to the doors later concerned neighbors, detectives said there was no forced entry associated with the killer’s arrival. That led police to believe Lutz likely knew the person he allowed into the home.

Family members reportedly stopped at the house but believed Lutz was not home and left. A neighbor later became concerned after not seeing him for several days and noticing problems with the doors.

At approximately 4 p.m. on November 2, neighbors asked police to check the residence. Officers entered through an unlocked front door and discovered Lutz lying on the living-room floor. He had suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including a wound to his head, along with other signs of trauma.

Neighbors told investigators they had not heard gunfire or breaking glass. Police interviewed Lutz’s relatives, employees and business associates, but the information gathered did not lead to an arrest.

Lutz’s family described him as a kind and compassionate man who was devoted to his daughter and two grandsons. Investigators similarly described him as a respected, hardworking business owner and an active member of the Amarillo community.

In 2006, Lutz’s family publicly appealed for information. Police continued seeking tips in subsequent years, but the investigation remained stalled.

The case received renewed attention in 2024 after the Amarillo Police Department established its Cold Case Unit. Homicide commander Lt. James Clements said detectives had begun receiving promising new information and were speaking with additional people. Investigators also hoped modern DNA testing and investigative genetic genealogy might help identify the killer.^[3]

Despite those developments, APD renewed its appeal again on Halloween 2025. Police reported that no lead had yet produced an arrest but maintained that someone likely knows information capable of solving the case.^[4]

Lutz was buried at Memorial Park Cemetery in Amarillo. His survivors included his daughter, Miranda Payne; two grandsons, Farris and Garrett Payne; three brothers; and his longtime friend, Phyllis Hubbard.

Anyone with information can contact the Amarillo Police Department Cold Case Unit at 806-378-6468. Anonymous tips may be submitted to Amarillo Crime Stoppers at 806-374-4400, online or through the P3 Tips app.