Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Students in Spring, Dickinson ISDs in class today

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Students in Spring ISD and Dickinson ISD will be in class today.

Those districts scheduled Memorial Day as a makeup day if classes are canceled during the school year. Both school districts canceled classes on February 4 due to ice.

The Texas Education Agency requires districts to make up missed days.

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »


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Teen accused of stabbing elderly woman to death

LA MARQUE, TX (KTRK) -- A teen in La Marque is now charged with the violent murder of an 84-year-old woman who was considered a grandmother to her neighborhood.

Family members found Vaneeda Wright dead in her bedroom Sunday at her home on Prune near 11th Street, where she's lived since the 1950s

Murder charges against this minor were filed around 1am. He is in custody at the Galveston County Juvenile Detention Center in connection with the violent murder of Wright.

Detectives believe Wright was stabbed to death by someone she knew. There were no signs of forced entry and neighbors say she would never open the door for a stranger.

"There appeared to be no signs of a struggle, but one of the rooms was definitely ransacked," said Det. Sgt. Shawn Spruil with the La Marque Police Department.

The motive is still unclear. It's now up to the district attorney's office whether or not to charge this teenager as an adult.

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Man shot through door of mobile home

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A Houston man remains in the hospital after police say he was shot through the door of his northeast side home.

Police say around 4:30am Monday, someone opened fire on the man's mobile home at Alderson and Lathrop. The suspect was reportedly spotted driving back by the crime scene while police were there, but an arrest has not been made.

At last check, the victim was in serious but stable condition.

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Sterling Silver May Birthstone Round Celtic with Emerald Center Drop Earrings

Sterling Silver May Birthstone Round Celtic with Emerald Center Drop EarringsGenuine emeralds--May's birthstone--mark the center of these fancy floral drop earrings, made from 925 sterling silver. The bezel-set stones are surrounded by petal-like swirls and dots and the earrings are suspended from comfortable french hooks. Offer these earrings to someone with a May birthday, or grab a pair for yourself.

Price: $54.00


Click here to buy from Amazon

Suspect questioned in Humble shooting

  HUMBLE, TX (KTRK) -- A man was recovering Sunday after being shot in Humble overnight.

According to Humble police, the 34-year-old victim was taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital by LifeFlight around 10pm Saturday with a gunshot wound to the chest. His condition Sunday was unknown.

Investigators said he was shot at an apartment complex in the 500 block of Ferguson at Isaacks.

Authorities said they are still questioning a possible suspect and some witnesses.

The case is under investigation.

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »


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Crews battle wildfire in Montgomery County

See it on TV? Check here.Firefighters are battling an out-of-control wildfire in Montgomery County Firefighters are battling an out-of-control wildfire in Montgomery County

  MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX (KTRK) -- In Montgomery County, firefighters are battling an out-of-control wildfire.

Winds gusting up to 25 miles per hour keep pushing the fire northwest along the Montgomery-San Jacinto county line. The Texas Forest Service says the fire started near Cut and Shoot and has grown to about 200 acre -- most of it inside the Sam Houston National Forest. "We have a large woods fire. A very windy dry day on Memorial Day and we have several crawler tractors that are working on the fire and several helicopters also," said Ralph Cullom of the U.S. Forest Service. Crews had the fire contained to 150 acres before the flames jumped the line Monday night. Firefighters are trying to cut a new line in front of the flames. The Forestry Service says it does not know how this fire started. (Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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Opening statements to begin in double murder trial

See it on TV? Check here.   HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Opening statements begin today for a man accused of killing two teen girls before leaving their bodies in a burning house.

Joseph Jean, 38, is facing the death penalty for the murders in Baytown back in April of last year.

Police say Jean was trying to set fire to his girlfriend's home in retaliation for an argument, when the girls caught him in the act. Police say he beat 17-year-old Chelsey Lang and 16-year-old Ashley Johnson with a bat and then started the fire.

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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Police: Accidental shooting kills man in SE Houston

See it on TV? Check here.A man is dead after he was accidentally shot at a party in southeast Houston overnight A man is dead after he was accidentally shot at a party in southeast Houston overnight

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A man is dead after he was accidentally shot at a party in southeast Houston overnight, say police.

It happened at a home on Hereford near Reveille Police say a family was celebrating Memorial Day in their backyard. Two men had their handguns and were comparing them when one of them accidentally discharged. The bullet hit the victim in the chest and he died.

No word yet if anyone will face charges.

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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Crash kills man, injures woman and 2 infants

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A man was dead and a woman and two babies were injured Sunday in a crash in north Houston.

The accident happened around 1:45am Sunday on Yale at Patrick.

Investigators said a white sports utility vehicle with two adults and two infants was traveling north on Yale when the driver lost control and veered off the road.

The SUV went into a ditch and rolled over.

According to officials, the male passenger was ejected and died at the scene. The female driver and the two infants were transported to an area hospital in serious but stable condition.

It was unknown Sunday what caused the driver to lose control of the vehicle.

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »


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Man drowns in southwest Houston pool

See it on TV? Check here.   HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A Memorial Day weekend morning at the pool ended tragically Sunday in southwest Houston.

Officials were called to a possible drowning around 10:30am Sunday on Kendalia Dr. at Westwood Village Dr. near Sharpstown.

The victim -- an older man -- was pulled from a swimming pool. Attempts were made to resuscitate the man, but he was dead by the time emergency responders arrived.

Paramedics at the scene said it appears the man had a medical issue while swimming that led to the drowning.

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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Sunday, May 29, 2011

Students return to class following fight

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- There is increased security on hand at Clear Brook High School after a fight Thursday that sent three teachers to the hospital.

Students are back on campus for finals as the school year winds down at Clear Brook High School near Friendswood.

District officials say a fight that broke out Thursday started over a cell phone. The fight sent three teachers to the hospital. All of them are back on the job.

A mother and daughter also headed back to class feel it's OK to return.

"I feel good," said parent Shawntay Bell. "I feel good about it, I don't feel bad about it."

"Just be careful, watch out, and hopefully nothing happens," said student Alasia Davis.

The other students we talked to say, as promised by the school district, they definitely experienced an increase in security when it comes to officer presence and leaving class.

Student Mohammad Rehmat said, "If you really need to go, you can go. Otherwise, if you need to go to the library, can't leave class."

"I've seen officers just about everywhere I go, blocking off certain places," said student Joseph Strane.

With six students facing discipline, the district is hoping the increased security will keep the campus free of fighting.

Strane said, "That's what students do, but I think because it's the end of the year, they're starting to do it more."

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »


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Woman's body found in business parking lot

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Houston police are awaiting autopsy results in the death of a woman found in northwest Harris County.

The Houston Police Department says patrol officers responded to a deceased person call about 7:30pm Thursday in the parking lot of a business at 2216 Pech Road after workers found a woman unresponsive. Houston Fire Department emergency personnel arrived and pronounced Louann Harris, 56, dead of unknown causes. A preliminary investigation indicated there are no signs of foul play in this incident. The investigation is pending Harris' cause of death to be determined by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences. (Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »


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Hundreds remember nun killed in wreck

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Sister Therese Huong Do impacted hundreds of lives, and tonight they all gathered to remember the nun killed by what police say was a drunk driver. While she is gone, her legacy clearly lives on through her students.

From the choir at the front to the doors at the back, they packed the church to remember Sister Do. Sister Therese Huong Do made quite an impact in her 35 years of life but especially when it came to children.

"This is a candle that we made during our confirmation year," said former student Jimmy Pham.

Pham remembers her teachings well.

"She really had a happy soul. Every time you look at her, she was smiling and she was so influential," said Pham.

Do was so inspiring to so many at Vietnamese Martyrs Church.

"She taught us a lot, how to get through life," said Mary Pham. "She always encouraged us to never give up."

Do of the Vietnamese Dominican Sisters was killed while driving to church early Sunday morning. Police in the city of South Houston say 19-year-old Marcos Garza ran a stop sign and struck her. He's suspected of drinking and driving and is now charged with intoxication manslaughter.

Her work as director of religious education impacted thousands of young people and she was working on the next class of graduates.

"I'm pretty sure she really loved me," said student Minh Nguyen. "This is me at the awards ceremony. She looked at me and smiled. She was like a mother to me and I really miss her."

"I'm so sad but now I believe sister is in heaven," said Minh's father, Thuan Nguyen.

There was something about the way she connected to her students.

"Her mind was not like most nuns," said former student Joseph Nguyen. "Most nuns are a little bit more strict than her, she was a little more lenient among the youth and she understands us a little bit better."

That makes her irreplaceable.

"I really want her to come back," said Minh.

Her sisters at Mary Immaculate Province were best able to talk about her by releasing a statement that in part invites the suspect and his family to attend her funeral and mass on Saturday.

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5 Reasons to See the Houston Aquarium Aside From Other Houston Attractions


When you go to Houston, there are many things waiting for you to marvel. Houston attractions are a must see when you go to Texas. They are indeed marvels to both young and old, male or female. Nobody, not even the past feeling, can neglect these Houston attractions.

There are at least 6 Houston attractions you can enjoy. They are: Space Center Houston (NASA), Downtown Aquarium, Houston Museum of Natural Resources, Houston Zoo, and the Health Museum. The one that is most favored among all the Houston attractions is the Aquarium. You may ask why this is considered to be the most favored. Here are five reasons to see the Houston Aquarium:

1. Uniqueness. Among all the Houston Attractions there are, the Aquarium is the most distinct because what you can see here is not the usual things you see wherever you go. The things that you can see here you must need to go deep to see because as the name implies, the Houston Aquarium hold creatures of the deep.

2. Hundreds of Species. Here in the Aquarium waits hundreds of species to be noted and appreciated. For sure, you will see the splendor of the deep when you visit this place as one of the many Houston attractions available. This is one way to learn while having fun.

3. Interactions with the creatures. In the Houston Aquarium, you do not just get to see the creatures of the deep, all those hundreds of species, but you can interact with them by playing with them or feeding them. This would add to the fun of the experience and the learning. By interacting with them, the memory of the moment will remain clearer within you.

4. White Tigers. Yes, also found in the Houston Aquarium are the magnificent white tigers of Maharajah's Temple. They are truly amazing to view since the common tigers are striped yellow. They are just glorious to look at in white. This is also why it is best to visit Houston Attractions, specifically the Houston Aquarium because not only they offer sea creatures but they also offer to behold rare land animals.

5. Never get Hungry. In this Houston Aquarium is found sumptuous restaurants to satisfy your appetite. This way, you do not have to worry about getting hungry while watching all those sea creatures and having a glimpse of those amazing tigers. There are very accessible restaurants just around the bend at the Houston Aquarium.

There you have it. The five reasons why you must see the Houston aquarium! This would surely be one place where your dreams do come true.








The next time you are in Houston, make sure to take the time to visit the Houston Aquarium and other Houston attractions. This is a great way to spend time with the family this summer!


Horses rescued from overturned trailer

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Authorities are working to rescue horses trapped when their trailer overturned in southeast Houston.

The horse trailer flipped on its side in the northbound lanes of the Gulf Freeway at the South Loop. At least two horses appeared to be inside. They both appear to be unhurt after rescue workers helped them out of the trailer.

There's no word on what caused the accident.

No other details were immediately available. (Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »


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Computer sparks house fire in north Houston

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A computer was left on overnight, sparking a fire that nearly destroyed an entire home.

The fire was at a house on Norham St. at W. Hardy Rd. in north Houston.

The family left home to go to the store Friday night. When they returned and opened the front door, the house was already filled with smoke, so they ran back out and called 9-1-1.

The Houston Fire Department responded around 10:45pm. When they arrived at the scene, heavy flames were shooting from an upstairs window.

Firefighters made a fast attack and got the extinguished the blaze before it consumed the entire house.

According to investigators, the electrical fire started in an upstairs bedroom where a computer was left on.

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Houston - An Ideal Location For Any Business Or Family


Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States and the largest city in the state of Texas. Founded in 1836, Houston has fast made a name for itself as a key industrial city for energy, aeronautics and transportation and has a vast population of about 2.2. million people.

By the mid 1800s Houston had established itself as a commercial and railroad hub for the export of cotton and this, along with the increased production of the local shipbuilding industry after World War II, caused the city to swell in size.

The city is now recognised world-wide for its energy industry in addition to its biomedical research and aeronautics. Houston now boasts 5 out of the 6 major energy companies - ConocoPhillips, Exxon-Mobil, Shell Oil, Chevron and BP. The area is also popular for building oilfield equipment thanks to the Port of Houston. The port is the 10th largest port in the world and ranks first in the United States for international commerce.

Houston office space is favoured by many high profile companies - in fact, after New York City it has the most Fortune 500 companies based there. Key organisations in the Houston area include the Texas Medical Centre, the world's largest concentration of healthcare and research institutions, and NASA's Johnson Space Centre.

In addition to having high quality Houston office space, the area is also one of the best cities in America for jobs. Between 2007 and 2008 the Houston area added 42,500 private sector jobs to the US economy, registering the largest gain in private sector jobs across all US cities.

The city is a multicultural area due to its rich tapestry of academic institutions (17 school districts and more than 60 colleges serve the city) and industries. The metropolitan area is home to roughly 1.1 million residents with nearly two-thirds of the area's foreign-born population from the south of the US/Mexico border.

Houston is also a key area for culture. The downtown Theatre District is home to 9 major performing arts organisations and 6 performance halls. Houston is one of the only cities in the US with permanent, professional companies in all performing arts disciplines, including opera (Houston Grand Opera) and music (Houston Symphony Orchestra). The Bayou Bend facility of the Museum of Fine Arts boasts one of America's best collections of decorative arts, paintings and furniture, while The Alley Theatre plays host to Houston's professional theatre company.

Houston also has a very heavy sports influence and has a professional team for nearly every sport - only the NHL is not represented. The Minute Maid Park (home of the Astros) and the Reliant Astrodome are huge tourist attractions in Houston as are the Houston Zoo and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Rich in green space, Houston has the biggest total area of green space and parks out of the 10 most populated US cities. In total the area has over 200 green spaces, which includes the Williams Waterfall.

Rich in culture, jobs and creativity; Houston has a thriving, growing company which is ideal for any family looking for a new home. Perfect for sports-lovers and theatre fans alike; Houston really does have something for everyone, no matter what their tastes or likes.









Truck slams into home in Mont. Co.

See it on TV? Check here.  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A driver lost control of a pickup truck, crashing through several yards and even smashing a portion of a house.

The accident happened around 5:10pm on Rayford near Riley Fuzzell in southern Montgomery County. A pickup truck went off the road, crashed through a wooden fence then took out the corner of the house. The house missed a playground where children were playing minutes earlier. The homeowner said she was driving down the road a short while later and returned home to find a huge mess. "I figured oh my goodness maybe it was our house so I ran back here to the backyard and found the truck in the backyard, all the neighbors, all the emergency respondents and our master bedroom wall is destroyed," said Jenna Butler, the home's owner. No injuries were reported and officers have not said what led up to this crash. (Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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Driver accused of killing toll worker appears in court

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The driver accused of running over and killing a toll booth worker appeared in probable cause court overnight.

Julie Little's bond was set at $30,000 and she was given another court date.

"Ms. Little, a warrant has been issued for your arrest for the felony offense of intoxicated manslaughter in a motor vehicle. You will hear the basis for the warrant when you arrive in court," said a court clerk.

Investigators say Little was drunk when she lost control of her car and hit Sheila Lindsey on the North Beltway Wednesday night. Tests proved Little's blood alcohol level was more than double the legal limit.

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HISD to lose millions if Gov. Perry approves budget

  Demond FernandezHOUSTON (KTRK) -- Under the proposed budget approved Saturday by the Texas Legislature, the Houston Independent School District would lose out on nearly $200 million over the next two years.

The district has been making cuts to deal with the lack of funding, but administrators, parents and teachers are speaking out about this budget decision.

They all say that school districts like HISD are in some serious trouble.

"I think that it's a lot of politics and the kids are suffering," parent Taryn Phillips said.

HISD could stand to lose more than $78 million dollars in state funding next school year, and the estimates hit the district even harder in 2013 with $126 million in cuts approved by the Senate and House.

"Of course our economy needs a lot of help right now, but still you got to think about the children, and think about, 'Is it worth cutting back on that or other things?'" parent Julia Smith said.

After learning about its budget reduction estimates from the state, HISD released a statement.

"Schools in Houston and elsewhere will still suffer significantly in years to come," the statement read.

"The substantial reduction in state funding will undoubtedly have an impact in our students' education," it continued.

Gayle Fallon with the Houston Federation of Teachers agrees.

"Parents are not going to like what school looks like next year because they're going to have kids coming back to very large classes," Fallon said.

Fallon predicts the state's budget estimates may lead to unsafe and understaffed schools.

She says one of the only solutions could be an unpopular one if the school board lessens the burden by raising taxes.

"As a taxpayer in Houston, I'm not thrilled with a tax increase, but I'd rather pay the money now than pay it into the criminal justice system when we turn out an illiterate generation that can't get a job," Fallon said.

Parents, HISD administrators and the teachers union all say they will be waiting and watching to see what lawmakers ultimately decide.

The district has already laid off employees, cut programs and closed schools to make up part of the expected budget gap, but trustees believe their only option could be a roughly 4 cent tax rate hike.

The district's current tax rate is 1-15 per $100 valuation.

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Jogger killed in hit and run crash

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A neighborhood jogging regular was killed in a hit and run pedestrian accident early Saturday, police said.

The collision happened around 2:30am Saturday on the Katy Freeway feeder road, westbound at W. Sam Houston Pkwy.

According to investigators, the victim was jogging like he does regularly in that area when he was struck by an unknown vehicle.

The vehicle that hit him fled the scene, officials said.

Another car driving on the feeder saw the body lying in the roadway and called police.

The man was transported to Memorial Hermann Memorial City Hospital where he later died.

There are no known witnesses and no parts of a car were found at the scene.

Police are urging anyone with information about this incident to call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS. All tipsters remain anonymous.

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Driver arrested after worker fatally struck at toll plaza

See it on TV? Check here. HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A tragic accident on the Beltway as a custodian was just doing her job at a toll booth when she was struck and killed. One investigator said it's the most horrific scene he's ever seen.

The driver is now charged in Sheila Lindsey's death and is in jail. She was arrested just a few hours ago after Precinct 4 deputies released her overnight. They say they had no other choice but to let her go at that point. Julie Little, 39, was arrested Thursday afternoon on suspicion of intoxication manslaughter. Investigators say she was driving a black Camaro westbound on the North Belt near I-45 at around 11pm Wednesday night when she plowed into the concrete barriers near the toll booths. The car became airborne, striking custodian Lindsey sweeping up in one of the lanes. Lindsey, 48, died at the scene. "She took her away from a lot of people that loved her," said Debra Pitts, Lindsey's best friend for 34 years. "I'm destroyed. I'm disturbed about the whole situation, how it went down." Authorities say Little was taken to Houston Northwest Memorial Hospital for a blood test, which is mandatory under Texas law whenever there is a fatality. But Harris County Precinct 4 Constable's Office Assistant Chief Mark Herman insists they could not arrest Little last night he says because of a problem at the hospital with the machine that analyzes blood for intoxicants. "The machine was not functioning, was not working. We had no other recourse other than to release her after a certain point," said Asst. Chief Herman. He says the law didn't allow them to hold Little longer without those test results. When the test finally was done, Herman says her blood alcohol content came back at .165 -- that's more than twice the legal limit. Three other narcotics were also discovered in Little's system. That raises all kinds of question for those who mourn the loss of Lindsey. "Sheila was a nice, sweet, kind, wonderful person. Give you the shirt off her back," said Pitts. Our legal analyst says the Precinct 4 Constable's Office messed up. He says that driver should have been arrested last night and not allowed to walk out of the hospital after allegedly killing an innocent woman. "The deputy constable's position that I had no choice but to let her go is not logical, makes no sense and is not the law," said Joel Androphy, KTRK Legal Analyst. Androphy says constables could have done a number of things other than let Little go: take her to another hospital, for example, where the equipment to test her blood might be working. "He also bottom line could have arrestd her for a plain old DWI without any type of testing. Plenty of people get arrested even after they refused blood tests and breath tests. It's not a prerequisite to arrest someone that they take a blood test," Androphy said. Herman insists his deputies did everything by the book. He says a prosecutor in the District Attorney's Office told his officers that they had to in fact let Little go. The DA's Office says it never tells officers whether they can or cannot hold someone who is suspect. (Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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Wrong-way driver killed in wreck

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A woman was killed on the Southwest Freeway when she got into the northbound lanes going the wrong way.

It happened around 2:15am on the Southwest Freeway near Westpark. Authorities tell Eyewitness News an officer spotted a woman going southbound in the northbound lanes. Police say because it's against police policy to chase a wrong-way driver, he couldn't go after her. Instead, he called for backup.

Another unit arrived and he drove the right way in the southbound lanes, trying to stop the female driver and that's when authorities say she slammed into a guardrail and crashed into a Jeep.

"An officer was going properly in the southbound side," said Lt. Phillip Munoz with the Houston Police Department. "He was putting out information on the radio and trying to get units out there to stop her but before units could get out there, it was too late. She already got into an accident."

Emily Cox, 20, died at the scene, according to police. The man in the Jeep was transported to the hospital for minor injuries.

Authorities believe Cox was intoxicated.

The accident completely shut down the Southwest Freeway northbound at Hillcroft for a couple of hours for the police investigation.

Check real-time traffic information in our ABC13.com traffic section

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Police investigating apparent murder-suicide

  LEAGUE CITY, TX (KTRK) -- Police say a double shooting at a home in League City appears to be a murder-suicide.

Family members called police saying they were worried about their sister and that she may have been harmed by her husband.

Officers arrived at the woman's home on Hidden Colony Ln. at River Ridge around 7pm Friday.

Once inside, authorities say they found the bodies of the woman and her husband in a bathroom.

No one else was hurt. Police said children were in the home at the time. They were found unharmed.

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Teen arrested after robbery, police chase

See it on TV? Check here.A Houston Police Department K9 unit helped track down and catch a teen suspected of armed robbery who was hiding under a house in northeast Houston A Houston Police Department K9 unit helped track down and catch a teen suspected of armed robbery who was hiding under a house in northeast Houston

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A police helicopter and K9 unit helped officers arrest a teenager accused of armed robbery in northeast Houston.

According to investigators, the 16-year-old robbed a Gorditas restaurant customer at gunpoint late Friday night, and then took off on a bicycle.

An officer tried to chase him with a police car, but the teen ditched the bike and ran.

After a 45-minute search, the teen was found hiding under a house on Gale near Gano.

No one was hurt in the robbery or chase.

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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Bond reduction denied for day care owner

See it on TV? Check here.  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Day care owner Jessica Tata is charged with murder for the February deaths of four children in a fire at her home. New information came out Friday during a bond hearing and it's been very difficult at times for those who are in the courtroom.

Tata was trying to get her $1.1 million bond reduced so she can get out of jail. During the hearing, Tata's attorney argued the bonds are illegally excessive and should be reduced to $50,000. However, a judge ruled late Friday afternoon that Tata's bond would not be reduced. Included in Friday's court hearing were witnesses and evidence, but the most chilling moment was the 911 call Tata made from the burning home day care that day in February, in which you could hear children screaming. Tata could be heard saying, "They're dying! I can't see anything. I can't see them. Oh my gosh. Come here! I can't see them. They're all babies. "Please hurry. They're everywhere. I'm coming. Come here. Please help me...My babies are here. I'm here. Oh my gosh, they're burning! The kids are all dying. "What do I do? They're babies! Won't they die from the smoke?" Tata screams.

Then the call ends.

Afterwards, the children's families left the courtroom. The mother of victim Elias Castillo was inconsolable. "They want her to receive her punishment, but they feel in order for them to move forward that they have to forgive her. But they still want justice," said a family's attorney. After a day of testimony, the decision came down to three words: Bond reduction denied. "I'm happy. She ain't going nowhere. Everything is in God's hands and God has everything covered," said Keshia Brown, mother of one of the victims. Tata will remain in jail on nine charges related to the Feb. 24 fire that also injured three children. Authorities believe the 23-year-old left all seven children in her care alone while she went shopping, and the fire was ignited by a stove-top burner that was left on. Details emerge of Tata's flight to Nigeria For every life lost and every child injured, there was a family member in court. And there was Tata, wearing handcuffs and her hair cropped short. Friday's bond reduction hearing revealed evidence that will be part of the trial, starting with her flight to Nigeria. An officer with the Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force testified, saying that Tata took a Delta flight from Dallas to Lagos, Nigeria, on February 26 with a possible return flight on March 18. Tata claims she turned herself in, but that officer testified she was tracked to her father's compound, that he told Interpol where to find her, and she was taken into custody. Flight risk is why the state opposes her release on bond, as do the families of the four children who died in the fire in February. "They believe in the system. They want to see this system have a chance, to have an opportunity to do what we all feel should be done and what it will do eventually," said one of the victim's attorneys. The prosecution painted Tata as deceptive from the start, beginning at the hospital the night of the fire. On the stand Friday, HFD fire investigator Dorian Green testified. Green: She stated she was in shock and didn't know why she was in the hospital.
Prosecutor: Was there any evidence she was in shock?
Green: Personally, no.
Green recorded an initial interview with Tata at the hospital. Green: You're in shock from what?
Tata: I don't know.
Green: Do you know about an incident at a Houston day care?
Tata: Someone said something about it, but I don't know anything. They won't tell me why I'm here (at hospital).
The officer said he also interviewed Tata's mother and sister, who both said they didn't know where Tata was, but they assumed she was in Nigeria based on news reports. He testified that Tata's brother, Ronald, kept avoiding interviews, saying he was too busy with work. The officer said Tata has lots of family in Nigeria, possibly including a family member on the Nigerian Supreme Court. He said that six weeks into the search, Interpol agents found an airline ticket with Jessica's name on it in her father's "compound." Her father confessed, saying Tata was staying with a friend. Nigerian officials, the officer testified, surrounded the friend's home and eventually detained Tata. Jessica Tata's brother, Ronald, also testified Friday afternoon. Despite previous denials, Ronald Tata admitted he helped his sister go to Nigeria. He said he drove her to Dallas and gave her $800. He said they decided Nigeria was the safest place for her to be at that time. In addition, Ronald Tata said he never spoke to Jessica while in Nigeria. He communicated only with their father, whom he knew to be in communication with her. Ronald Tata says he told his father that Jessica faced multiple felony charges two to three days after she was charged. However, she wasn't taken into custody in Nigeria for another three weeks. Also testifying on Friday was a member of the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office who discussed a pair of fires that Tata was later found to have set at her school in Katy. Apparently, Tata went into two different bathrooms and set the fires on the same day. The attorney for Tata fought to keep that out of testimony, but he lost that argument. Victims' families file lawsuits Jessica Tata is facing two civil lawsuits from the parents of the victims. Shomari Dickerson died in the fire and his sister Makayla was severely burned. Their mother is suing Tata and the state of Texas for negligence. Another parent, whose son was burned, has also filed a lawsuit. She's going after Tata, her parents and her brother, claiming they all knew Tata wasn't fit to run the day care out of her home. (Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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Thursday, May 26, 2011

Suspect arrested in possession of stolen handgun, TV

Duntavier McCullough was arrested and charged with theft of a firearm and theft. Duntavier McCullough was arrested and charged with theft of a firearm and theft.

  ROSENBERG, TX (KTRK) -- Rosenberg police have arrested a suspect in possession of stolen property.

On May 24 at around 10:30pm, Rosenberg police say an officer was dispatched to the 4700 block of Reading Road in reference to a 911 hang-up call. Upon arriving, the officer observed two males in the parking lot in possession of a large flat screen TV. Through an investigation, police determined the TV was recently reported stolen. One of the men was found to be in possession of a stolen handgun as well. Duntavier McCullough was arrested and charged with theft of a firearm and theft. McCullough, 18, was transported to the Fort Bend County Jail. (Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »


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Authorities seek info in murder of man two years ago

See it on TV? Check here.May 23 marked the two year anniversary of the murder of Gabriel Pullam. May 23 marked the two year anniversary of the murder of Gabriel Pullam.

  HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Authorities are asking for the public's help in solving the murder of a man two years ago.

On Saturday, May 23, 2009 at approximately 2:30am, Gabriel Pullam was working as an attendant in a parking lot at the El Tenampa Night Club located at 12534 Market Street. A fight broke out and Pullam was found lying face down in the parking lot. Pullam died at the scene. Two possible suspects were seen leaving the scene in a white Cadillac Escalade. They fled eastbound on Market. The suspects were only described as Hispanic males. The Escalade might have had some damage to the right front end. Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for any information called in to the 713-222-TIPS (8477) or submitted online at http://www.crime-stoppers.org/ that leads to the filing of felony charges or arrest of the suspects in this case. Tips can also be sent by text message. Text TIP610 plus your tip to CRIMES (274637). All tipsters remain anonymous. (Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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Teens arrested for school prank gone wrong

SUGAR LAND, TX (KTRK) -- Three local high school students are getting a tough lesson about consequences after an apparent senior prank. Now their families question whether the punishment -- which could include jail time -- fits the crime.

It all started with an overnight break-in at Clements High School less than two weeks ago. Families of the suspects call this a senior prank which has been blown out of proportion. They say there's not enough evidence to support the criminal allegations for which the students were arrested, and say the district is even being too harsh, with just days left in the school year.

A mother said, "I plead with the school that they would let those kids walk."

This parent, who agreed to talk with Eyewitness News if we didn't use her name or show her face, is among several who have asked Fort Bend ISD to reconsider letting more than a dozen students walk with their classes during graduation on June 3. The Clements high students were involved in what this parent says was a prank.

"Their senior prank was going to be to move the chairs that were in the gymnasium to the roof of the building," the mother said.

On May 13, just after midnight Sugar Land police responded to a burglar alarm at Clements High School. Upon arrival they found several people running out of the back of the school. Nothing was taken, but police say the back door had been pried open.

They caught and arrested three teens: Brian Warshauer, 18, Ali Lilani, 17 and Taylor Ashford, 18. Investigators say each has been arrested on suspicion of burglary of a building, engaging in organized criminal activity and evading arrest. Warshauer is also accused of possession of a controlled substance.

Those who know the teens say the criminal charges are overzealous.

Clements High School Peter Chin said, "I think that's ridiculous. It depends on motive. They didn't have bad intentions. Nothing was stolen, nothing was broken."

Fort Bend ISD spokesperson Mary Ann Simpson gave the following statement: "Unfortunately, the poor decisions made by the students involved have resulted in some serious and regrettable consequences."

We're told by family and friends that Fort Bend ISD has moved those involved to an alternative campus, barred them from prom and from walking in graduation.

(Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.) Get more Local »


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Port of Houston hires defense lawyer, promises open book

See it on TV? Check here. HOUSTON (KTRK) -- We have new details in an investigation triggered by our 13 Undercover unit. The Port of Houston has hired famed criminal defense lawyer Rusty Hardin to help respond to the investigations into the port.

Tuesday was the first time the port commission met since we exposed questionable spending, possible conflicts, and ethics questions -- and you could cut the tension with a knife. Supporters of the embattled port president held up signs and inside the meeting room, the District Attorney's Office was watching and so was a team from the County Attorney's Office. All these investigations now underway tabled a move to oust the port president, and there was interesting advice from a 28-year employee of the port who is retiring next week. "Get this black eye off of us. Keep this out from the media. Mr. Dolcefino, I understand you've got a job to do. You want to make headlines and stuff. This is not the way to do it. Keep this behind closed doors," said Norma Copeland. This, in a government agency that got $200 million of your county tax money the last few years. Of course that's exactly why so many officials are now criticizing the port for a lack of transparency. Port chairman Jim Edmonds promised an open book today -- ask any questions you want. That's great news because we love asking questions. But tonight on Eyewitness News at 10pm you'll see what happens when we tried to open that book. State senators want port review Eyewitness News reporter Miya Shay was in Austin Tuesday where at least three state senators are asking for a full review. The state senators who represent Houston have paid close attention to the 13 Undercover investigation of the Port of Houston, and State Senator John Whitmire says he wants the state of Texas to do a full review of the agency. "They look at their operations, their code of ethics -- if they have any -- they look at their cost effectiveness, what it's doing to the taxpayers' pocketbook," said Sen. Whitmire. He is trying to attach an amendment to a bill that would force the port to undergo a thorough review by the state's Sunset Commission. "At the minimum, they need to be scrutinized. I think we need an audit by the state of Texas and the sunset process, that's exactly what it's meant," said Sen. Whitmire. Among the many issues the senators want state staffers to look into are the internship program -- the one where children of port executives participated in and got paid. "Had we not seen your report, I would have never known that they give maintenance internships at $5,000 a month. That's a lot of money," said State Senator Mario Gallegos. Also, the document detailing a boat trip at the port was apparently changed at some point. And then there is the consulting relationship between the port Chairman Jim Edmonds and port vendor AECOM. "It does not pass the smell test, and it would appear through the allegations, that there were some improper conduct," said Sen. Whitmire. These Houston lawmakers say they're tired of getting the run-around from the port and they want answers. "I didn't like what I saw," said Sen. Gallegos. We also spoke to State Sen. Tommy Williams who said he's willing to carry the Sunset process in the next day or two which will mean a thorough port review. (Copyright ©2011 KTRK-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
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