Second suspect arrested in brutal murder of Hedwig Village woman

Jessica Willey Image
Saturday, July 15, 2017

HEDWIG VILLAGE, Texas (KTRK) -- A second suspect has been arrested in connection with the brutal killing of a Hedwig Village woman.

Timesha Wilson, 22, has been charged with capital murder in the death of 79-year-old Janeil Hooten Bernard.

Earlier this week, Michael Susberry, the son of Bernard's former housekeeper of 57 years, was charged in connection with the crime. Investigators said Wilson, who is Susberry's caregiver, admitted she was present during the murder but did not physically commit the crime.

Cameras from various parts of town captured Susberry and Wilson's movements the day of the murder.

At 4:11 p.m. on July 2, the two are on video boarding a METRO bus in downtown Houston. More video shows them blocks from Bernard's home and heading in her direction.

For anyone else, it might have been a casual stroll, but Hedwig Village Police Chief David Gott said they had intent on their minds.

"In their minds, it was, 'We're going to rob Mrs. Bernard and we're going to kill Mrs. Bernard,'" said Gott.

EXCLUSIVE: Hedwig Village murder suspect arrives at county jail

EXCLUSIVE: Hedwig Village murder suspect arrives at jail

Susberry, a convict out on parole when Bernard was killed, admitted to head-butting her before stabbing her with a knife, Gott said. He also identified Wilson for police. Investigators said the two stole her wallet and car.

According to Gott, during the confession, Susberry was worried the crime would hurt his 89-year-old mother, who spoke with Eyewitness News on July 5 about her relationship with Bernard.

Moteel Susberry described taking trips with her former employer, who even purchased her a car and continued to pay her even though she didn't work for her anymore. Police do not think the suspect's mother was involved in any way.

"It is my recommendation that the state of Texas seek the death penalty in this case," Gott said.

Bernard was found dead inside her home on Capri Street by her current housekeeper on July 3.

VIDEO: Police believe woman found murdered in Hedwig Village was beaten and stabbed

Report a typo to the ABC13 staff