Crime
38-year-old Eric Pait shot and killed by man dressed as Michael Myers in Harris County on Halloween night
Pait’s estranged wife, Carman Peterson, was also killed in a separate shooting incident two months prior.
A 38-year-old man, identified as Eric Pait, was fatally shot at his home on Hawks Nest Drive in north Harris County on Halloween night.
The shooting occurred around 10 PM. Witnesses reported seeing a person dressed as Michael Myers, the iconic horror film character, approaching Pait and opening fire.
Pait’s estranged wife, Carman Peterson, was also killed in a separate shooting incident two months prior. She was found fatally shot in her apartment on FM 1960 in August.
On a busy Halloween night, the streets were filled with people celebrating when a terrifying incident unfolded. Witnesses reported seeing a person wearing a Michael Myers mask, like the character from the Halloween slasher films, approach a victim and open fire.
“Someone fitting that description was observed in the area at the time of the shooting,” said Homicide Sgt. Michael Ritchie with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO). “We’re currently reviewing video footage, examining the crime scene, and interviewing witnesses to gather as much evidence as possible.”
By Friday, crime scene investigators were still at the location, meticulously piecing together what happened in the hopes of finding answers.
Local resident Monica Melgar recalled, “I was in my room when I heard three or four shots. They were so loud that I initially thought they came from my neighbors’ backyard, but it turned out to be further away. Things like this just don’t happen in our neighborhood.”
Authorities are reviewing any available surveillance footage, and neighbors are left hoping this wasn’t a random act of violence.
“I’d like to believe someone isn’t just randomly out there killing anyone who’s outside—but it does make you think twice about going out,” Melgar added.
Family members of Pait’s estranged wife recently spoke with KHOU 11, revealing that she was tragically killed in a shooting just two months ago. On August 16, 37-year-old Carman Peterson was found shot to death while she was asleep in her new apartment on FM 1960, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. A family member discovered Peterson’s body after going to check on her when repeated calls went unanswered.
Prior to their separation, Peterson lived with her husband, Pait, and their three children in a home on Hawks Nest Drive. Her family shared with KHOU 11 that they suspect Pait may have been involved in her death, although authorities have not made any official comments or filed any charges against him at this time.
In the recent incident involving Pait, two of the couple’s children were present in the home when he was shot but were unharmed. Investigators continue to look into the circumstances surrounding both cases.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is investigating both homicides to determine if there is a connection between the two cases.
WATERLOO, IA – A fatal shooting at Ryder Logistics on Northeast Drive Wednesday night has left one man dead and another in custody, according to the Waterloo Police Department.
Authorities identified the victim as 33-year-old Dipree Devante Jones of Waterloo. Police have arrested 21-year-old Martavious Jqualin Reed, also of Waterloo, on a first-degree murder charge.
He is currently being held without bond pending his initial court appearance.
According to investigators, Reed approached Jones in the Ryder Logistics parking lot just before 10 p.m. and pulled out a firearm, opening fire on the victim.
Court records indicate that Jones attempted to flee, but Reed pursued him and continued the attack.
Witnesses at the scene intervened and were able to briefly restrain Reed, but he broke free and fled on foot.
Waterloo Police officers arrived shortly after the shooting and immediately rendered aid to Jones until paramedics from Waterloo Fire Rescue arrived.
Jones was transported to UnityPoint Health-Allen Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Authorities launched a search for Reed, who was taken into custody at approximately 10:45 p.m. after officers located him emerging from a field near the crime scene.
The Waterloo Police Department, along with forensic specialists, remains on-site collecting evidence as part of the ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact the Waterloo Police Department or Crime Stoppers.