Man Charged with Girlfriend's Murder After Lying About Home Invasion

Christopher Thomas allegedly told police his girlfriend was killed by a robber, but investigators say he shot and killed her.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:54pm

An extreme close-up photograph of a single bullet casing on a dark surface, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the evidence found at the scene of a domestic violence incident.A single bullet casing found at the scene of a tragic domestic violence incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for greater awareness and prevention of such crimes.Crosby Today

A 49-year-old man in Harris County, Texas has been charged with the murder of his 26-year-old girlfriend, Myrtle Spells, after initially telling police she was killed by a robber during a home invasion. Investigators say Christopher Glenn Thomas shot and killed Spells and then fabricated the story about a robbery before being arrested and charged with her murder.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in investigating domestic violence incidents, where perpetrators may attempt to cover up their crimes by fabricating alternate narratives. It also raises concerns about the prevalence of intimate partner violence and the need for greater resources and support systems to protect vulnerable victims.

The details

According to authorities, Thomas called 911 around 4 a.m. on March 15, claiming someone had robbed him and shot his girlfriend, Myrtle Spells. When deputies arrived, they found Spells' body and noted Thomas had visible injuries to his face. However, after further investigation, detectives determined Thomas was responsible for Spells' death and arrested him on a murder charge. He is currently being held in the Harris County Jail.

  • The deadly shooting occurred around 4 a.m. on Sunday, March 15.
  • Thomas was arrested and charged with murder following the investigation.

The players

Christopher Glenn Thomas

A 49-year-old man who is accused of killing his 26-year-old girlfriend, Myrtle Spells, and then lying to police about a home invasion robbery.

Myrtle Spells

A 26-year-old woman who was allegedly shot and killed by her boyfriend, Christopher Thomas, in their home in Crosby, Texas.

Harris County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that responded to the 911 call, investigated the incident, and arrested Christopher Thomas on a murder charge.

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What’s next

Thomas is currently being held in the Harris County Jail, and the investigation into Myrtle Spells' murder is ongoing.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for greater awareness and resources to address domestic violence, as well as the importance of thorough police investigations to uncover the truth and hold perpetrators accountable, even when they attempt to conceal their crimes.