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.
Middletown, Ohio — Authorities have identified the victim of a fatal weekend shooting in Middletown as 49-year-old Christopher Bullock, according to the Butler County Coroner’s Office.
Officers with the Middletown Police Department responded around 12:00 p.m. Sunday to reports of gunfire in the area of Roosevelt Avenue.
Upon arrival, officers located two individuals who had sustained gunshot wounds.
Bullock was pronounced deceased at the scene.
A second victim was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. Officials have not released the condition of the surviving victim.
At this time, police have not announced any arrests or identified a suspect.
Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact Detective Kristi Hughes at 513-425-7733 or via email at kristi.hughes@cityofmiddletown.org. Tips may also be provided through police dispatch at 513-425-7701.
Detective Hughes is further urging residents in the area to review home or business security footage for any suspicious individuals or vehicles that may have been present around the time of the shooting. The investigation remains active and ongoing.