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.
Crime
4 Killed in Eden Crash at Carroll and Church Streets, Driver and Victims Identified
Michael Vernon, driver of dump truck involved charged.
A tragic crash in Eden, North Carolina, has left four people dead and several others injured following a multi-vehicle incident involving a dump truck and a utility work crew.
The Eden Police Department confirmed the incident occurred Thursday afternoon at approximately 1:30 p.m. at the intersection of Church Street, Carroll Street, and Park Road.
According to a news release from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP), 66-year-old Michael Ray Vernon of Eden was operating a 2016 Hino dump truck owned by the City of Eden.
While traveling northbound on Carroll Street, Vernon failed to stop at a posted stop sign at the intersection with Church Street.
The dump truck proceeded through the intersection, striking six pedestrians—utility workers contracted through Carolina Power and Signalization—who were performing powerline work in the area.
The dump truck continued traveling north after striking the pedestrians, colliding with an occupied bucket truck before veering off the road and crashing into a ditch.
Emergency responders from multiple agencies arrived at the scene within minutes. Four of the six pedestrians were pronounced dead at the scene.
The deceased have been identified as:
- Douglas Garland Sides, 72, of Summerfield
- Madison Carter, 42, of Sandy Ridge
- William Evans, 35, of Randleman
- Matthew Lockwood, 30, of Winston-Salem
The two surviving pedestrians sustained life-threatening injuries and were airlifted to medical facilities.
They have been identified as:
- Hunter Carter, 24, of Reidsville – transported to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in critical condition
- Kevin Alexander, 34, of Eden – airlifted in stable condition
Cody Rich, 31, of Reidsville, who was inside the bucket truck at the time of the crash, was transported by ground to UNC Health Rockingham with non-life-threatening injuries.
Michael Vernon sustained minor injuries and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
He has been charged with a stop sign violation and misdemeanor death by motor vehicle.
Investigators confirmed that impairment is not believed to have played a role in the crash.
Further charges may be considered as the investigation progresses.
The intersection remained closed for several hours as law enforcement officers and emergency crews conducted their investigation.
The area was reopened to traffic at approximately 10:30 p.m.
In a statement, Duke Energy, which works in coordination with Carolina Power and Signalization, expressed condolences:
“We are saddened about the tragic event that happened today, and our hearts go out to the families and teammates of those involved. The safety of our employees, contractors, and customers is the highest priority at Duke Energy. We are working closely with law enforcement officials.”
The NCSHP continues to lead the investigation, and anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact local authorities.