Father-in-law accused of killing slain woman’s dad

The father of a 20-year-old Houston woman who was shot to death in bed at her Cypress home a week ago was gunned down by his father-in-law late Friday, just hours after relatives attended a vigil for the slain woman, according to officials with the Harris County Sheriff ’s Office.

Michael Rhodd, 46, was killed by his 74-year-old father-in-law at a home in the 10300 block of Thornleaf Lane in Cypress, the sheriff’s office said in a Twitter post. The father-in-law claimed the shooting was in self-defense, police said.

According to Sgt. Jason Brown, the two men had been in a physical altercation when the older man allegedly shot Rhodd. Family members had attended a vigil for Sierra Rhodd earlier in the day, he said.

The suspect was taken into custody and gave a statement, Brown said. It’s unclear if the man is still in custody. If he is charged with a crime, police will release his identity.

Sierra Rhodd was not the intended victim of the Sunday driveby shooting at her home in the 11200 block of Timber Crest Drive, investigators said. Police later confirmed a dispute between Michael Rhodd’s 15-year-old son and

a group of young men and boys was the motive.

“We don’t believe those two incidents are related,” Brown said.

Emma Presler, 18, was charged late Monday with murder in connection with the Sunday shooting but was later released after a Harris County magistrate determined there was no probable cause linking her to the crime, the Chronicle reported. Sierra Rhodd’s murder is still under investigation. The sheriff’s office said evidence from Friday night’s shooting will be referred to prosecutors to determine whether charges are warranted.