Houston attorney charged with murder in 'best friend's' shooting, records show

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A Houston criminal defense attorney is facing a murder charge after prosecutors say he shot and killed his roommate and longtime friend inside his Boulevard Oaks home.

Mike Driver was arrested and charged in the death of 48-year-old Jesse Reyes. Driver has claimed he acted in self-defense.

According to Houston police, Driver and Reyes got into an argument inside Driver's home shortly before midnight on June 27. Investigators say Driver shot Reyes once in the chest.

Authorities have said there was never any question about who fired the gun. The investigation centered on whether the shooting was self-defense or murder.

Court records show Driver called 911 after the shooting, telling dispatchers Reyes had been trying to gouge out his left eye.

Driver is being represented by a team of three prominent defense attorneys. One of them, Jed Silverman, said the case is a clear example of self-defense.

"It's an extremely unfortunate situation," Silverman said. "Obviously, he takes it seriously. It's one of the most serious things someone can be accused of. But it's our belief he's not guilty, and that's what the evidence will show."

Silverman also acknowledged the unusual role reversal of a longtime criminal defense attorney now facing criminal charges himself.

A woman who identified herself as Angela was inside Driver's home today. She said she was friends with both Driver and Reyes, and was there to "clean up" the area after Houston Police arrested Driver the day before. Angela said she never saw serious conflicts between them.

"Every time I was around, they were getting along just fine," she said. "I never saw any arguments. I never saw issues."

Neighbors said Driver rented the house about a year ago and also operated his law office out of the home. Both neighbors and law enforcement say Driver, Reyes, and several other people lived at the house.

Court records describe Driver and Reyes as best friends and say Reyes served as Driver's "bodyguard." However, the records also indicate that neighbors saw occasional conflicts and that many visitors moved in and out of the home.

"I don't believe that any of them really wanted to harm each other in that way," Angela said before going back into the home to continue cleaning it. "I believe they could have worked it out better."

Reyes' girlfriend told ABC13 she was relieved charges had been filed and wants Driver prosecuted. She says Reyes was in the process of moving out of the home and leaves behind two young kids.

Driver is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.

Because Driver's brother works for the Harris County District Attorney's Office, the office has filed a petition to recuse itself from prosecuting the case. The Fort Bend County District Attorney's Office is expected to be appointed.