The stabbing happened over the weekend at a high-rise on Hermann near Jackson in the museum district.
Investigators say Ana Trujillo is claiming self-defense in the alleged killing of University of Houston Professor Stefan Andersson with a stiletto shoe. For at least one man who knew her, it wasn't a total surprise.
"Before the name was released, I saw a woman killed a guy with a stiletto, I remember thinking, 'Oh, that sounds like Ana,'" said Jim Carroll.
Carroll used to manage the Londale Motel, where Trujillo lived. Carroll says more than once, she said anyone who wronged her would face the wrath of her stiletto.
Carroll recalled, "Because twice she told me if anybody ever messed with her, she pulled her shoe off and said, 'I'd get them with this.'"
Court records show Trujillo was arrested in the upscale apartment early Sunday morning. Prosecutors describe the scene as gruesome.
The University of Houston issued a statement that read in part: "The University of Houston community is saddened to learn of the tragic death of Professor Stefan Andersson. Our hearts go out to his colleagues, family and friends during this difficult time."
Dr. Andersson joined UH as a full-time research professor in December 2009, working in the school's Center for Nuclear Receptor and Cell Signaling. It's unclear how long the two knew each other, but Carroll says Trujillo is serious.
"She's a strong woman," he said. "I wouldn't want to get into it. She'd whoop me."
The murder took place on the 18th floor of the high-rise.
Trujillo apparently used several aliases, but she is scheduled to appear in court Tuesday morning.
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