Hammer murder: Relative accused of killing father in northeast Houston

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A man has been charged with murder after police say he beat a family member to death with a hammer Sunday night.

John Cook, 23, was arrested at the home where police say it happened on Marzelle Street in northeast Houston.

"I knew David, he was a real nice guy," said Reynaldo Reyes, who lives across the street.

The man killed was a 43-year-old father, now identified as David Moody. Reyes said he saw Cook moments after the murder happened.

"He kind of flipped, got out of the car, and took off walking," Reyes said.

Investigators say Cook beat Moody to death with a hammer and left him for dead on the living room floor. When police arrived, they say the Moody was unresponsive. Detectives believe Cook planned the murder.

"It looks like it was not spur-of-the-moment. It looks like something the attacker may have been thinking about for some time," said David Williamson with HPD.

Five other family members were home when the man was killed, including a 1-year-old child.

Police are not elaborating on the relationship between Cook and Moody, saying investigators are still alerting other family members.

Cook has been charged with murder.