'TARNISHED THE BADGE': DALLAS POLICE OFFICER ACCUSED OF USING HITMEN TO COMMIT MURDERS

A Dallas police officer has been arrested for hiring someone to kidnap and kill two people in 2017.

Bryan Riser, 36, was taken into custody on Thursday morning. Dallas Police Chief Eddie García announced the charges during a press conference later that day, which was posted online.

Riser is charged with the murders of Lisa Saenz and Aubrey Douglas. Saenz was found dead in the Trinity River in March 2017. Douglas was reported missing in Feb. 2017, but his body was never found, according to NBC News.

"We received information from a witness that implicated Riser in both murders," García said. "The motive for these murders is unknown at this time, and this remains an ongoing investigation."

Three men were arrested and charged for Saenz’s murder in 2017, The Dallas Morning News reported. None of them have been to trial, but their murder charges are still pending.

An affidavit obtained by NBC News says Riser paid thousands of dollars to one of the three men arrested in connection with the murder.

Riser was initially implicated in the murders in Aug. 2019, when a witness said they kidnapped and killed a person at Riser’s request. However, he was cleared and reinstated as a police officer.

García said that both of the murders were connected to Riser’s “off-duty” life. However, the department plans to look at his history as a police officer, including his arrest record.

Riser has been with the department for over 12 years. He remains on the force due to the department’s collective bargaining agreement until an investigation has been completed.

“We’re conducting an administrative investigation as quickly as possible, moving toward termination,” García said.

“This officer’s actions not only tarnished the badge, but it hinders the efforts of those who go out every day to inspire the public confidence and create respect for the law enforcement profession,” García said during the press conference.