Woman charged in strangulation of her great aunt

HOUSTON Alexis Larina Jones, 24, has been charged with murder, accused in the death of her great aunt, Mildred Johnson, 86. Jones is also charged with theft in connection with items missing from Johnson's residence.

Police say patrol officers responded to a welfare check call at 5414 Candlemist Drive about 8:25pm on Saturday when family members had not heard from Johnson in more than 24 hours. Johnson's nephew entered the home after there was no answer at the door and found his aunt dead in the living room. There was evidence of a previous struggle in the living room.

While investigators were at the residence, Jones and another male were detained near the residence. Jones later confessed that she and the victim had previously argued about her being unemployed and her inability to contribute to household expenses. Jones then hit Johnson with a blunt object and strangled her.

The male initially detained at the scene does not face charges at this time.