HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – Officials are searching for a man after a woman was found dead in northwest Harris County on Friday.
According to investigators, the body of 62-year-old Pamela Johnson was found around 6:35 p.m. at a home in the 12400 block of Bent Pine Drive. An ambulance was called and she was pronounced dead.
Johnson's 2004 maroon PT Cruiser was found Saturday at Willowbrook Mall. Surveillance video showed a man abandoning the car in the parking lot and walking through the mall before leaving through the opposite side.
Deputies said they believe the man had some connection to Johnson's death, but do not know if he killed her.
“Now this was a heinous crime so there’s always a sense of urgency in these cases,” said Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.
Investigators also don’t know how Johnson died, but the Harris County Sheriff’s Department homicide unit has taken over the investigation.
“I wish we would have done more but we always was watching,” said neighbor Ross Bell. “I was home when this happened. I was right there in my house. Didn’t hear anything. I wish I would have.”
Neighbors said Johnson was a sweet woman who they would often interact with at Kroger, where she worked. Others recalled seeing her outside in her driveway reading her Bible several times a week.
Johnson’s death has caused her neighbors to question their own security and safety.
VIDEO: Officials provide update after woman found dead in NE Harris County home
“I carry my licensed to carry gun with me everywhere I go,” said Janice Kirksey, a neighbor. “I don’t go in the front yard without it. I don’t drive anywhere without it.”
The man is described as Hispanic, between 30 and 35 years old, 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 9 inches tall and thin. Deputies said he has short hair with tattoos on both forearms.
Officials said Johnson's murder may be connected to two shootings at mattress stores in Houston. On Saturday, an employee was killed at Mattress Firm in northwest Houston and Monday an employee was killed at Mattress One in north Houston.
Investigators are asking anyone who knows anything about what happened to call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-8477.