72-Year-Old Woman Killed During Gunfight with Masked Intruders

Estimated studying time: 3 minutes

What initially regarded like a tragic, chaotic residence invasion in northeast Houston has now come into sharper—and uglier—focus. Police say two suspects have been charged with capital homicide within the early-morning residence invasion that killed 72-year-old Linda Martinez, and the small print paint an image of betrayal, felony failure, and a system that didn’t cease it in time.

Based on Houston police, the taking pictures occurred round 1:50 a.m. on January 26 at a house on Lockwood Drive. Investigators now say the suspects—Richard Mouton, 34, and Tajuana Thomas, 38—weren’t random burglars. Thomas had beforehand lived on the residence after being launched from jail and allegedly had a long-running dispute with Martinez over cash. Regulation enforcement sources say Thomas was offended as a result of Martinez had refused to bail her out of jail, one thing witnesses instructed police was a frequent level of argument.

Police consider the pair entered the house by means of an unlocked again door, a door Thomas already knew effectively. Inside, they allegedly discovered Martinez asleep on the sofa. That’s when issues turned violent. Investigators say the suspects, each carrying masks, demanded Martinez’s jewellery whereas pointing an AR-style rifle at her.

Martinez fought again.

Based on legislation enforcement sources, Martinez fired a revolver, placing Mouton within the face and Thomas within the hip. Regardless of that, Martinez was fatally shot in the course of the trade. She later died from her accidents.

Each suspects survived and stay hospitalized. Mouton in vital situation and Thomas in steady situation. As soon as launched, they’ll be going through capital homicide fees.

The suspects’ felony histories add one other layer of frustration. Court docket information present Thomas was already out on bond for a misdemeanor terroristic risk. Mouton, a convicted felon, had been on parole till 2024 and was arrested once more in July 2025 on a number of felony fees, together with felon in possession of a firearm, drug trafficking offenses, and evading arrest. He allegedly skipped courtroom 4 days earlier than the house invasion, triggering arrest warrants simply days earlier than Martinez was killed.

This case isn’t a couple of random act of violence. It’s about identified criminals, ignored warning indicators, and a girl who was compelled to defend herself inside her own residence towards folks she as soon as knew.

Particulars on this report have been first reported by Click2Houston.

One lady is useless. Two repeat offenders are alive. And as soon as once more, the query hangs within the air: what number of purple flags does it take earlier than the system really works?

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