Here are things to know for Friday, June 4:
1. Newborn found dead inside porta-potty in NE Harris County, HCSO sheriff says
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An investigation is underway after a newborn baby boy was found dead inside a porta-potty in northeast Harris County, according to HCSO investigators.
The discovery was made around 11:30 a.m. in the 18000 block of Riverside Street at the Magnolia Gardens Park.
HCSO investigators responded to the scene and tell KPRC 2 they believe the newborn may have been left in the porta-potty between Monday and Thursday.
“At approximately 9:30 a.m. on Monday morning, the porta-potty was emptied by the service company. When they came to empty it today, they found the baby, a full-term baby in the porta-can with the umbilical cord still attached,” said HCSO Major Susan Cotter.
2. Father of 6-year-old Samuel Olson denies being involved in child’s death, lawyer says
As new details about the body of a child found at a Jasper motel believed to be that of 6-year-old Samuel Olson come to light, his father Dalton, through his attorney Samuel Veenstra, denies being involved.
“He had nothing to do with the death of his son,” said Veenstra. “(The) family is in mourning, shocked and in disbelief.”
He said the family is seeking answers as to what happened and why.
Olson’s attorney also saying right now”... they’re wanting answers as to what happened and why.”
Dalton’s girlfriend, 29-year-old Theresa Balboa has been charged with tampering with evidence in the case.
3. Theresa Balboa, woman charged in connection to Samuel Olson’s death, in custody at Harris County Jail
The girlfriend of a missing boy’s father arrived at Harris County Jail Friday after being held in the Jasper County Jail.
Theresa Balboa was charged with tampering with evidence after the body of 6-year-old Samuel Olson was found in a motel in Jasper, Texas, Houston police said Wednesday.
Balboa may face additional charges, as appropriate, police said during a news conference in which updates were shared in the case.
4. Harris County DA’s Office dismisses case against former HPD narcotics officer involved in deadly Harding Street raid
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office has dropped criminal charges against a former Houston narcotics officer connected to the botched raid at 7815 Harding Street.
KPRC 2 Investigates confirmed that the office dismissed the felony charge of tampering with a record against Steven Bryant on Wednesday, just one day after he pled guilty to a federal-level charge.
In a statement to KPRC 2 Investigates, the district attorney’s spokesman, Dane Schiller, states that their “work continues to deliver justice in the Harding Street investigation and related matters.”
Schiller adding, “charges were dismissed in state court after the defendant was convicted in federal court,” but provided no further comment.
5. TxDOT postpones closure at Southwest Freeway NB connector ramp to I-610 West Loop NB due to rain
Slowdowns on your normal route into the Galleria are about to get even worse.
The closure of the Southwest Freeway NB connector ramp to I-610 West Loop NB has been postponed Thursday due to heavy rain in the Houston area. Officials said crews will try again Friday night at 9 p.m. In addition, the southbound connector ramp to 610 closes Monday at 9 p.m.
Both ramps are part of a much bigger project that wraps up in 2024.