Police arrested Denzel Jermaine Collier, 20, just one month and one day since they allege he murdered Jerome Lewis, 57.
Sgt. Bob Berry with the Conroe Police Department said, "We've been working on this for a month. This was one of the longest cases that we've worked, hardest cases that we've worked."
Investigators say Lewis knocked on the front door of Lewis' home on October 16 and as Lewis pulled back the curtain see who it was, Collier allegedly shot him at close range in the face. Eyewitness statements combined with diligent detective work led police to Dallas, where they found Collier Wednesday night.
Police also found the weapon they believe was used to kill Lewis. Police won't say whether the suspect and victim knew each other prior to the murder or specifically what they believe the motivation was for the killing.
"We can say right now at this time it's drug-related in one sense, but we can't go any further than that," Sgt. Berry said.
Collier is now in the Montgomery County Jail in lieu of a $500,000 bond.
Down the street from where Lewis was killed, his neighbors call this a good day. They want to see Collier convicted and punished.
Neighbor Niecey York said, "It's awful and I hope he pays dearly. I hope justice is served, I really do."
Police tell us Lewis was a US Army veteran. They have not been able to locate any of his surviving family so we're told the Veteran's Administration is currently handling his funeral arrangements.
Investigators are looking to see still if others were involved in this murder.
Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Conroe Police Department at 936-522-3200 or the Montgomery County Crimestoppers Program at 1-800-392-7867 (STOP). Credible information leading to the arrest and conviction regarding this or other related felony case may lead up to a $1,000 reward.
