Two charged with capital murder in deadly Houston home invasion

Suspects Tajuana Thomas and Richard Mouton were injured in the shootout with the 72-year-old homeowner.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 8:39am

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Two people have been charged with capital murder after a deadly home invasion in northeast Houston early Monday morning. Authorities say a man and woman wearing masks entered a home and got into a gun fight with the 72-year-old homeowner, fatally shooting her. Both suspects were injured during the shootout and transported to a nearby hospital.

Why it matters

Home invasions and violent crimes against elderly residents are a major concern in the Houston area, which has seen an uptick in such incidents in recent years. This case highlights the risks faced by vulnerable homeowners and the need for enhanced security measures and crime prevention efforts.

The details

According to police, the incident occurred around 1:50 a.m. on Monday in the 4000 block of Lockwood Drive. The two masked suspects, Tajuana Thomas, 38, and Richard Mouton, 34, entered the home and exchanged gunfire with the 72-year-old female homeowner, who was fatally shot. Both Thomas and Mouton were injured in the shootout and transported to a nearby hospital. They have each been charged with capital murder.

  • The incident occurred around 1:50 a.m. on Monday, January 28, 2026.

The players

Tajuana Thomas

A 38-year-old suspect charged with capital murder in the home invasion.

Richard Mouton

A 34-year-old suspect charged with capital murder in the home invasion.

72-year-old homeowner

The female homeowner who was fatally shot during the gun battle with the two suspects.

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What’s next

The suspects are currently hospitalized and will face a judge for a bail hearing once they are released from medical care.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for improved home security measures and community-based crime prevention efforts to protect vulnerable elderly residents in Houston neighborhoods.