Houston Parole Board Questioned After Elderly Woman's Murder

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Richard Mouton, a three-time convicted felon who was on parole in Houston, has been charged with capital murder along with an alleged accomplice, Tijuana Thomas, in the shooting death of an elderly woman during a home invasion. Mouton had recently been convicted of felony evading arrest but was allowed to remain on parole, a decision that crime prevention advocates say may have contributed to the deadly incident.

Why it matters

This case raises questions about the parole system's handling of repeat offenders and whether more stringent measures, such as revoking parole or setting higher bonds, could have prevented this tragic outcome. It highlights the ongoing challenges in balancing public safety and rehabilitation efforts for those with extensive criminal histories.

The details

Mouton, who has a lengthy criminal record including three prior prison stints, was on parole in 2023 when he was convicted of felony evading arrest. He spent 60 days in the Harris County jail but was allowed to remain on parole, a decision that crime prevention advocates say may have contributed to the deadly home invasion. Four days before the alleged capital murder, Mouton failed to show up in court for three new felony charges he had picked up in July. Mouton and Thomas are now both hospitalized and charged with capital murder in the Lockwood Drive shooting.

• In 2023, Mouton was convicted of felony evading arrest while on parole and spent 60 days in jail.
• Four days before the alleged capital murder, Mouton failed to show up in court for three new felony charges he had picked up in July.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The judge will decide whether to allow Mouton to be released on bail as the investigation into the capital murder case continues.