Woman charged in fatal stabbing at elderly facility

HOUSTON

The suspect, Wonder Arceneaux Sam, is accused in the killing of Willie Hightower, 66, at the Woodland Christian Towers about 10:30pm on May 7.

Police say on May 8 at about 8am, one of Hightower's friends went to check on him at the elderly living facility at 600 East Tidwell after she had not heard from him. She found Hightower unresponsive on the floor and saw blood. She called 911 and responding paramedics pronounced Hightower dead. Homicide investigators were called to the scene, as there were signs of a struggle.

Further investigation developed information that an unidentified black female visited Hightower the night he was killed. Homicide investigators released surveillance photos of the female, attempting to identify and locate her for questioning in this case.

Acting on a Crime Stoppers tip, Sam was identified as the wanted female, and she was arrested on unrelated warrants on May 30. During questioning, police say Sam confessed to her role in Hightower's death. She stated she met Hightower while she was visiting another resident at the elderly living facility on May 7.

Sam, 48, is charged with murder in the 183rd State District Court. She is being held on $50,000 bond and is due in court on Wednesday.

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