The suspected killer of Susan Miller Loper will enter a courtroom Monday, May 2 in Arizona after leaping into the Grand Canyon a week ago.
Susan Miller Loper is a native of Wichita Falls and a 1989 graduate of Rider High School.
Many friends from Wichita Falls drove to Frisco, Texas, Wednesday for her memorial service.
Terrence Deering Black, who attempted to avoid arrest for Ms. Loper's murder by jumping into the Grand Canyon, is scheduled Monday at 10 a.m. for an extradition hearing.
The purpose of the hearing is to obtain an extradition order to return Black to Texas for prosecution.
Texas Rangers are already in Arizona to return the suspect to the Lone Star State to face justice. Black was noticed by park rangers when he was panhandling near the South Rim.
He's probably the most affluent panhandler in the country as his Cadillac Escalade was parked nearby. He reportedly owns a $200,000 home in Frisco, Texas.
Black underwent surgery for injuries he suffered when he dived off the southern rim of the Grand Canyon. Park rangers said he was lucky to land on a ledge 25 feet below his point of departure.
A sheer dropoff to the bottom of the canyon beyond the ledge would've been more dangerous.
Black's attorney Adam Zuckerman did not comment as to whether his client will oppose the extradition to Texas.
The extradition hearing was originally set for today(Friday).
Zuckerman obtained the continuance until Monday based on back and neck injuries the suspect suffered when he took his tumble off the South Rim as park rangers pursued him.
Black's attorney said he was unable to travel to the courthouse today.
Reports indicate his client is in a brace and is being medicated following surgery.
Marla Malone, who has been best friends with Susan Miller Loper, since they attended Wichita Falls Rider High School, said she was devastated by news of her friend's unexpected murder.
Family members including the parents of Susan Miller Loper live in Wichita Falls. Ms. Loper was incredibly talented as she starred in Off-Broadway shows in New York City before moving to the Dallas area.
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