Career criminal accused of killing elderly woman in violent home invasion after skipping court days earlier
Share this @internewscast.com

A Texas man with a history of three prior convictions is once again in custody, accused of fatally shooting an elderly woman during a home invasion this week. This incident occurred just days after a warrant had been issued for his arrest due to his alleged failure to appear in court.

Richard Mouton, aged 34, along with Tajuana Thomas, 38, faces charges of capital murder. The pair are accused of killing a 72-year-old woman in her home located in Houston’s Kashmere Gardens neighborhood on Monday, as stated by the Houston Police Department.

The authorities have yet to release the name of the victim.

Witnesses informed the police that Thomas had been upset with the victim for not posting bail for her on a previous occasion. The two allegedly argued frequently about this matter, according to reports from Click2Houston.

Richard Mouton's Texas mugshot

Mouton, now charged with capital murder, allegedly participated in the shooting of the 72-year-old woman during the home invasion in Houston on Monday, January 26, 2026, as per authorities. (Houston Police Department)

The tragic event took place around 1:50 a.m. on Monday, when the two masked suspects reportedly entered the victim’s home through an unlocked backdoor. Thomas had previously lived at this residence. They allegedly discovered the victim asleep on a couch, as reported by the outlet.

The pair reportedly demanded jewelry from the victim and pointed an AR-style rifle at her, leading to a shootout between both suspects and the 72-year-old woman. 

The victim shot Thomas in the hip and Mouton in the face with a revolver, before being killed by gunfire, the outlet reported.

Tajuana Thomas' Texas mugshot

Tajuana Thomas, 38, is charged with capital murder after allegedly shooting a 72-year-old woman to death in a home invasion in Houston, Texas on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026, according to authorities. (Houston Police Department)

Both suspects were subsequently transported to a local hospital, while the victim was pronounced dead at the scene, according to authorities. 

The alleged deadly home invasion is reportedly not the first time either suspect has had a run-in with the law. 

At the time of the shooting, Thomas was out on bond stemming from a misdemeanor terroristic threat charge, Click2Houston reported.

Houston, Texas skyline

Richard Mouton and Tajuana Thomas are accused of gunning down a 72-year-old woman in an alleged home invasion following a reported dispute in Houston, Texas on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. (iStock)

Court records reportedly show in 2022, a victim told authorities that Thomas had been fired from her job before returning to her former place of employment and telling the victim she was going to “beat his a–.” 

Meanwhile, Mouton was handed down a 60-day jail sentence in 2023 after being convicted of felony evading arrest while he was out on parole, according to FOX 26. 

Mouton’s parole later ended in 2024, Click2Houston reported.

In July 2025, Mouton was reportedly arrested and charged with felon in possession of a weapon, evading arrest and drug possession. 

Court records reportedly indicate he allegedly ran 1,500 feet from a traffic stop while carrying more than 100 grams of marijuana, nearly 12 grams of Xanax, 5 grams of ecstasy, 3.4 grams of cocaine, over 24 grams of methamphetamine and a firearm. 

While Mouton had been out on bond since about a week after his arrest, records show he failed to appear in court on Jan. 22, the outlet reported. 

His failure to appear reportedly resulted in authorities issuing a warrant for his arrest just two days before the alleged deadly home invasion.

“It’s always disturbing that you could be on parole, get a felony conviction, and still be on parole and not have your parole revoked,” Andy Kahan with Crime Stoppers told FOX 26.

The Harris County Prosecutor’s Office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s comment regarding both Mouton and Thomas’ previous parole decisions prior to the alleged murder. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
John Harbaugh retains Chad Hall as Giants’ receivers coach for Malik Nabers

Giants’ Head Coach John Harbaugh Confirms Chad Hall’s Continued Role as Receivers Coach, Aiming to Enhance Malik Nabers’ Performance

Chad Hall is set to make a transition from coaching Jaxson Dart…
Mayor Brandon Johnson signs executive order, directs Chicago police to investigate alleged illegal activity by ICE, federal agents

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Orders Investigation into ICE and Federal Agents by Local Police

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has initiated a decisive measure in anticipation of…
THC may protect against Alzheimer’s when paired with this drug

Breakthrough Study: THC Combined with Common Drug Shows Promise in Alzheimer’s Prevention

The term “pothead” could soon take on an entirely new significance. A…
Coast Guard suspends search for people missing from fishing vessel that sank off Massachusetts

Coast Guard Halts Search for Missing Crew After Massachusetts Fishing Boat Sinks

The U.S. Coast Guard has officially called off the search for survivors…
Martha Moxley Case: Kennedy cousin points to ‘bold-faced lies,’ missing evidence in murder probe

Kennedy Cousin Challenges Martha Moxley Murder Investigation: Alleges ‘Bold-Faced Lies’ and Missing Evidence

In a development that rekindles interest in a long-standing mystery, Michael Skakel,…
Satellite images reveal activity at Iran nuclear sites bombed by US, Israel

Unveiled: Satellite Images Expose Renewed Activity at Bombed Iran Nuclear Sites

Recently acquired satellite imagery reveals that roofs are being constructed over compromised…
Maria Santay livestreams detainment as federal immigration agents smash car window in El Monte, California

Maria Santay Captures Dramatic ICE Arrest Live: Federal Agents Break Car Window in El Monte, CA

EL MONTE, Calif. — A Southern California woman who was detained by…
Israel, Egypt coordinate reopening of Rafah Crossing in test before Gaza residents allowed through

Israel and Egypt Collaborate to Reopen Rafah Crossing: Key Test Phase for Gaza Residents

On Sunday, Israel and Egypt conducted an initial trial to reopen the…
Mamdani names Stanley Richards, formerly incarcerated criminal justice reformer, to run NYC jails

Trailblazing Leadership: Stanley Richards, Formerly Incarcerated Advocate, Appointed to Transform NYC Jails

In a groundbreaking move, Mayor Mamdani revealed on Saturday afternoon his selection…
Trump scores strategic win as Panama court ousts Hong Kong firm from canal ports

Trump Secures Major Victory: Panama Court Expels Hong Kong Firm from Key Canal Ports

A Panamanian court has annulled a port contract held by a Hong…
Texas A&M moves to end Women’s and Gender Studies degree program

Texas A&M Plans to Discontinue Women’s and Gender Studies Degree Program

Texas A&M University has decided to discontinue its Women’s and Gender Studies…
Alleged MS-13 gang member accused of 5 murders in home country nabbed in Virginia

Suspected MS-13 Gang Member Linked to Five Murders Arrested in Virginia

EXCLUSIVE TO FOX: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has apprehended an…