Suspect has ties to area family

Painesville resident deeded Houston suspect’s house before doctor’s death

A Painesville woman has unwittingly become party to the investigation of a man suspected of killing one of former President George H.W. Bush’s doctors.

Three days after the July 20 attack on Dr. Mark Hausknecht in Houston, Jeanette Spencer received notification in the mail indicating that the home of family friend Joseph James Pappas had been deeded to her.

The deed was executed in February 2017, but recorded July 23 at Harris County Courthouse.

“I called him on the 24th and he said he had a terminal illness, and that’s why he deeded (me) the house,” said Spencer, who has known Pappas for about 25 years.

However, on July 30 — the day one of her daughters was

“There was a lot of planning that went into this. There was a lot of planning and, sadly, some skill.”

— Houston police Chief Art Acevedo, on the doctor’s death

to meet with Pappas while visiting Houston — Pappas texted Spencer that he was committing suicide miles from homes. He gave detailed instructions to secure the house.

“Sorry for handling things this way,” the text said. “House and property is now yours. Please make best use of it for you and (your daughter).”

Spencer said she immediately called her daughter to try to contact him and called the police. Phone calls to Pappas went straight to voicemail.

Police searched his home at 4 a.m., Aug. 1, and have been in contact with Spencer. Houston police Chief Art Acevedo said at a news conference Aug. 1 that evidence found at the home ties Pappas to the killing, but he declined to elaborate. An arrest warrant for murder subsequently was issued, the chief said.

Pappas, 62, had yet to be found as of Aug. 2. He should be considered armed, dangerous and possibly suicidal, the chief said.

“There was a lot of planning that went into this,” he said. “There was a lot of planning and, sadly, some skill.”

Hausknecht was gunned down while riding his bike to work at Houston Methodist Hospital. Authorities say the shooter rode past Hausknecht before turning around and firing.

A July 31 tip led police to suspect Pappas, the chief said, though he didn’t provide any details. Enhanced surveillance video from a home enabled “individuals” to recognize the suspect.

Hausknecht was gunned down while riding his bike to work at Houston Methodist Hospital. Authorities say the shooter rode past Hausknecht before turning around and firing.

Pappas may have been seeking revenge for his mother, who died on the doctor’s operating table more than 20 years ago, authorities said.

Spencer said another of her daughters knew Pappas was angry with “a doctor” over the death of his mother, but didn’t know his name. Pappas, a former police officer who never married and has no children, took the daughter under his wing when she lived in Houston years ago. He and the adult daughter communicated regularly up until his disappearance, Spencer said.

A cover letter that came with the deed record expressed admiration for Spencer and her care of her daughter, who has special needs.

Spencer and her family are in disbelief and a bit overwhelmed by the national media attention. She described Pappas as smart and helpful.

“I never expected this at all,” she said. “I don’t know. (My daughter) didn’t want to believe it.”

Pappas