New information in woman's strangling

HOUSTON Police are releasing new information in their investigation into the murder of a helpless bedridden woman found strangled. Police now say the killer may have easily walked right into her home before the robbery. That's because she often left her door open for neighbors to come and go.

The residents of Independence Hall have disabilities and 60-year-old Debra Boudreaux's were profound. Crippled by cerebral palsy, she navigated life in a motorized scooter, but it had its limitations.

"She would have a problem in getting from the wheelchair into the bed. Routinely, she'd leave her door ajar and ask people that were walking by," said C.P. Abbey of the Houston Police Department.

Tuesday, perhaps Wednesday, police believe that was her undoing. Boudreaux's body was found two days ago in her apartment.

"This apartment was ransacked. The suspect or suspects took their time while they were there," said Abbey. "They committed the burglary of the apartment while the victim was most likely dying."

Police say a TV was stolen and a microwave, plus anything else of value. Most of all, they took the life of a frail woman who would ask for help. Instead, she was killed without being able to defend herself.

"She was only able to lift her arms up a few degrees, no higher than her shoulders. She was very much helpless," said Abbey.

Police say there is a possibility that the person or persons responsible may have come back a second time even after the woman was dead to take more belongings out of the apartment.

Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the killer. The number is 713-222-TIPS.