Port Arthur Woman Pleads Guilty to Murder, Sexual Assault of Child

Second murder charge to affect sentencing in plea deal

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A 24-year-old Port Arthur woman has pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual assault of a child and the murder of her 71-year-old grandfather, Russell Vernon Reado. The woman, Lace Christian, also admitted to a separate 2021 murder of Lonnie Scott, 54, which will be considered in her sentencing scheduled for March 30. Christian faces up to 40 years in prison as part of the plea deal.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex and disturbing nature of violent crimes, especially those involving vulnerable victims like children. The fact that Christian admitted to multiple murders and a sexual assault of a child raises serious concerns about public safety and the justice system's ability to address such heinous acts.

The details

According to court documents, Christian pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual assault of a child for incidents that occurred between October 2015 and October 2017, when she was 17 or older and the victim was under 14 years of age. She was sentenced to 12 years and must register as a sex offender. In the murder of her grandfather, Russell Vernon Reado, 71, Christian told police she visited his home in May 2022 to borrow his car and check on his welfare. However, security footage and GPS evidence placed her at the residence at the time Reado was killed by a gunshot wound. Christian also admitted to the August 2021 shooting death of Lonnie Scott, 54, which will be considered in her sentencing.

  • Christian pleaded guilty to the charges on February 24, 2026.
  • The incidents of sexual assault of a child occurred between October 2015 and October 2017.
  • Reado was killed in May 2022.
  • Scott was killed in August 2021.
  • Christian's sentencing is scheduled for March 30, 2026.

The players

Lace Christian

A 24-year-old Port Arthur woman who pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual assault of a child and the murder of her 71-year-old grandfather, Russell Vernon Reado. She also admitted to a separate 2021 murder of Lonnie Scott, 54.

Russell Vernon Reado

Christian's 71-year-old grandfather who was murdered in May 2022.

Lonnie Scott

A 54-year-old man who was murdered by Christian in August 2021.

Judge John Stevens

The Criminal District Court judge who presided over Christian's case.

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What they’re saying

“We must hold those who commit such heinous acts accountable, while also working to prevent these types of crimes from happening in the first place.”

— Judge John Stevens, Criminal District Court Judge

What’s next

Christian's sentencing is scheduled for March 30, 2026, where the judge will consider her guilty pleas to the murder of her grandfather and the separate 2021 murder of Lonnie Scott, in addition to the sexual assault of a child charge.

The takeaway

This disturbing case underscores the urgent need for greater resources and support for victims of sexual assault and violence, as well as improved mental health services and intervention programs to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the first place. The community must come together to address the root causes of this type of criminal behavior and work towards a safer, more just society.