Judge sets bond at $500K for man accused of stabbing woman to death on METRORail

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A man wanted for stabbing a 28-year-old woman to death on a METRORail in southeast Houston is now in custody, police said.

Christopher Washington, 52, was arrested at about 7:45 p.m. Tuesday. Washington has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to documents, but it will likely be updated to a murder charge.

During a court appearance Wednesday morning, a judge set his bond at $500,000. If he is able to meet his bond, he will be on 24/7 house arrest.

Alexis Jarrell, 28, was attacked at the Palm Center Station on Griggs Road when Washington allegedly stabbed her at 6:35 p.m. on Oct. 29.

Metro Police Chief Vera Bumpers said the two strangers had gotten into a short argument moments prior.

"We made sure we got the victim to the hospital. The suspect had left the scene," Chief Vera Bumpers said. "Arguments can escalate quickly, which is why it's so important to really pay attention to your surroundings and be focused, because sometimes anything can trigger a person."

Charging documents say Washington was released in July and then arrested again in August for allegedly assaulting a different woman.

Jarrell's case is not the only stabbing Washington has been involved in. Washington also served three years in prison for another stabbing that METRO police investigated in 2019.