Brenham man charged in deadly gas station robbery served time in prison for arson

The Brenham man arrested Monday in College Station for aggravated robbery also served time in prison for setting a classroom on fire a decade ago, KBTX has learned.

In 2009, Rufus Edward Lockett, 29, was sentenced to eight years in prison for setting fire to a Brenham classroom two years prior. He reportedly set the fire to avoid taking a test.

The fire caused $200,000 worth of damage, and Lockett pleaded guilty to first degree felony arson. Records indicate Lockett was released from prison in 2016.

Now, Lockett is now in custody in Brazos County after police say he robbed a College Station gas station and shot the clerk.

Lockett is being charged with aggravated robbery, according to Brazos County Justice Web.

According to College Station police, just after 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Lockett went into the Valero on Rock Prairie Road and Highway 6 and demanded money. A witness told police that when the clerk was unable to provide any money, the man shot her multiple times and fled the scene in a dark, possibly gray sedan.

Police identified the clerk Monday morning as Anita Jean Randle, 54, of College Station. Paramedics on scene with the College Station Fire Department performed life saving measures, and Randle was taken to Baylor Scott & White Hospital in critical condition.

Randle was pronounced dead Sunday night.