HOUSTON – Mauricio Navarette-Torres, 18, has been charged with capital murder in the stabbing death of Christine Martinez, officials said.
Harris County Sheriff’s Office announced on Wednesday that Navarette-Torres is a friend and co-worker of the woman’s sons.
Martinez, 37, was found stabbed to death on Friday Feb. 3 in the bedroom of her home on Great Elms Drive in the Lancaster subdivision in Cypress.
Sheriff's detectives said Martinez's 20-year-old son left the house around midnight to pick up his brother from work and their mother was alone at that time.
Ben Beall, a sergeant with the Harris County Sheriff's Office, said when the sons arrived home at 1:45 a.m., they found their mother stabbed to death.
Beall said it appeared someone forced their way into the house.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office has not revealed a possible motive for the murder.
Mauricio Navarrete-Torres is due in court on Thursday.
Neighbors said Martinez's home was made possible by Habitat For Humanity Northwest Harris County. She had moved in less than a year ago.
Habitat for Humanity Northwest Harris County released the following statement:
"Habitat for Humanity Northwest Harris County is deeply sadden(ed) to learn about this tragedy. Christine was a part of our Habitat family. She will be missed. We send our heartfelt condolences to her loved ones."