Police say a 72-year-old homeowner died after exchanging gunfire with masked intruders in Kashmere Gardens.
HOUSTON, TX — A three-time convicted felon who missed court last week and a woman accomplice have been charged with capital murder after a predawn home invasion left a 72-year-old homeowner dead early Monday on Lockwood Drive in Houston’s Kashmere Gardens, police said.
Authorities identified the suspects as Richard Mouton, 34, and Tajuana Thomas, 38. Investigators said both were wounded in an exchange of gunfire inside the house and remained hospitalized Tuesday as detectives prepared warrants and processed evidence. The shooting was reported about 1:50 a.m. on Jan. 26. The victim’s name has not been released. The case has renewed questions around recent parole and bond decisions for Mouton, who had open felony cases and failed to appear in court four days before the killing, records show.
Police said a man and a woman wearing masks forced their way into the home in the 4000 block of Lockwood Drive, near Crane Street. People were inside the residence when shots were fired, according to investigators. The homeowner, a 72-year-old woman, exchanged gunfire with the intruders and was fatally struck. Officers arrived to find the woman beyond help. The suspects fled but were later located and taken to a hospital with gunshot wounds, police said. “It’s always disturbing that you could be on parole, get a felony conviction, and still be on parole and not have it revoked,” said Andy Kahan of Houston Crime Stoppers, reacting to Mouton’s supervision history.
By Tuesday, police had secured capital murder charges against both suspects. Investigators said the masked pair—identified as Mouton and Thomas—entered the residence shortly before 2 a.m. and were met with gunfire from the homeowner. Detectives said others were inside but did not fire shots. Authorities have not announced a motive and did not release the victim’s name pending formal identification and notification of relatives. Mouton, a three-time convicted felon, was on parole when he picked up additional felony charges in 2023, including a felony evading arrest case that resulted in a 60-day Harris County jail stay, records indicate. Thomas’ prior record was not detailed by police. Both suspects remained under guard in the hospital as of late Tuesday.
The incident unfolded in Kashmere Gardens, a northeast Houston neighborhood bordered by Loop 610 and U.S. 59, where single-story homes and corner churches line Lockwood Drive. Police said the shooting happened inside the home and that shell casings were recovered as part of a standard crime scene sweep. The department’s homicide division is leading the case. The confrontation came days after Mouton, who was free on three felony bonds from charges filed in July, failed to appear in court. Crime Stoppers and victim advocates said the parole board could have revoked Mouton’s supervision after his 2023 felony conviction or that bond decisions could have been tightened given his record, but those decisions remained unchanged before Monday’s shooting.
Prosecutors filed capital murder complaints citing the killing during a home invasion and the use of firearms, according to police. The suspects are expected to be booked into the Harris County Jail once doctors clear them for transfer. A first appearance in probable cause court would follow, where a magistrate will review the charges, set bond or order detention, and schedule the next setting. Detectives said they are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses and will present findings to the district attorney’s office for any additional counts. No funeral or autopsy details were released; the medical examiner is handling the cause and manner of death.
As word spread in the neighborhood, residents described the early morning gunfire and flashing lights. Neighbors said the homeowner was known to keep to herself and look after family members. “It shook the whole block,” said a man who lives on Crane Street and did not want his name used. “We woke up to sirens and tape across the street.” Kahan, the Crime Stoppers official, said families are asking why earlier interventions did not happen. Houston police said they understand community concerns but emphasized that detectives are still collecting statements and ballistics and have not identified a motive.
Police said the investigation remains open and active. Both suspects were still hospitalized late Tuesday, and booking is pending medical clearance. The homicide division plans to brief prosecutors again this week. A court setting is expected after the suspects are transferred to jail. The next public update is likely once the medical examiner confirms the victim’s identity and relatives are notified.
Author note: Last updated January 28, 2026.