Daughter named suspect in death of 64-year-old mother in west Harris County, sheriff says

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- A 39-year-old woman has been identified as a suspect in the death of her 64-year-old mother in west Harris County, according to Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.

Kristen Woods was detained Monday morning by Houston police on an unrelated charge. According to Gonzalez, she is accused of killing her mother.

On Monday, deputies were called to the 3400 block of Boxelder Drive for a welfare check on the 64-year-old because her door was open and debris was on the front lawn. Soon authorities found her bloodied body inside.

According to Gonzalez, Woods is currently in jail charged with the murder.

With tears streaming down her face, Sandra Fresh watched as investigators combed through her friend's home. Fresh said the 64-year-old woman she knows as "Mary" has lived in the home for more than 40 years.

"Mary would give you the shirt off her back," recalled Fresh. "I mean she was just the sweetest. (She) knew everything that was going on the street because we all know each other. She has three daughters, she would do anything for her daughters."

"We do know there's an adult daughter (Woods) that had been staying there with her that has been arrested in another location on a separate charge, said Harris County Sheriffs Sgt. Dennis Wolford. "After we conclude on our scene investigation, we will be going to talk to her and see what happened to her mother."

Houston police confirmed Woods was arrested for a trespassing charge Monday morning in the Houston Heights. Neighbors say she had a history of questionable behavior, and they were worried for Mary.

"My husband said, 'Mary we are so afraid for you,' and she would say, 'No, that's my daughter. She wouldn't hurt me,'" Fresh said and adds that her entire street is just devastated. "Mary was a wonderful person, a wonderful person. And she will be greatly missed. She's part of our neighborhood, our family."

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