Suspect says he broke into home, killed 8
David Conley told
HOUSTON Harris County Sheriff ’s investigators that he broke into his former home and killed eight people because the woman he formerly lived with had changed the locks on the doors, according to a Harris County prosecutor.
During probable cause court Sunday, a prosecutor recounted Conley’s statement to investigators that he broke into the home Saturday through an open window after Valerie Jackson changed the locks.
The prosecutor went on to say Conley, 48, then told investigators he restrained eight people inside, including Jackson and a 6-year-old boy, and shot them in the back of the head.
Doctors at the scene of the 2200 block of Falling Oaks said all eight victims suffered gunshot wounds to the head and died at the scene.
Conley, who didn’t appear in court, has been charged with three counts of capital murder and had bond denied. He’s being held in the Harris County Jail.
Conley has an extensive criminal history that dates back to 1988, including incidents of family violence, drugs and driving while under the influence.
Deputies called to perform a welfare check Saturday evening got no response at the door to the home when they arrived, Harris County Sheriff ’s Office spokesman Thomas Gilliland said. Officers then received more information that indicated a man in the home was wanted on a warrant for aggravated assault on a family member.
The sergeant on the scene called for a High Risk Operations Unit, similar to SWAT, to help make entry and investigate. While the call was being placed, deputies surrounded the home and spotted the body of a juvenile through a window.
At that point, the four deputies on scene forced their way in, and the male suspect inside began shooting, the sheriff ’s office said. Deputies pulled back and waited for the HROU to arrive.
After more than an hour, the man, later identified as Conley, came outside and surrendered.
The bodies of eight people were found in the home.
Neighbors were in disbelief Sunday.
“I cannot believe it,” Adela Ramirez said. “I am in horrific shock.”