Two Charged with Capital Murder in Deadly Kashmere Gardens Home Invasion of 72-Year-Old Woman

HOUSTON, Texas — A dispute over posting bail allegedly led to a deadly home invasion in Houston's Kashmere Gardens neighborhood on the morning of Monday, January 26, 2026. The incident, which took place in the 3200 block of Lockwood Drive near Cavalcade Street, resulted in a shootout that left a 72-year-old female homeowner dead and two suspects wounded.

According to the Houston Police Department, two suspects, identified as 38-year-old Tajuana Thomas and 34-year-old Richard Mouton, forced their way into the elderly woman's home. Once inside, a gun battle erupted between the homeowner and the intruders. The homeowner was fatally shot during the exchange, while both suspects sustained gunshot wounds.

Investigators revealed that the primary motive stemmed from a personal grievance: Tajuana Thomas was reportedly upset with the victim because the victim had repeatedly refused to bail her out of jail. Neighbors and witnesses confirmed that the two women had argued frequently about the bail issue leading up to the confrontation.

Both suspects were hospitalized under police guard following the shootout. They have both been charged with capital murder in connection with the woman's death.