A man is charged with murder after investigators found his mother’s body dismembered inside a crate, Harris County Sheriff’s Office says.
Robert Barnes, 36, is charged with murder and tampering in connection with authorities’ discovery of the body of his mother, Lucila Barnes, 72.
Authorities found Lucila Barnes’ body on Thursday in the 11100 block of Cactus Point Court near Barker Cypress and Cypress North Houston in northwest Harris County.
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez calls the case “sad and horrific” on Twitter.
Deputies said on Wednesday evening, they received a call from family members that they have not been able to make contact with Lucila since Tuesday. They also told deputies that they apparently tried to make contact with Robert who they say was her son. He then became hostile and pointed a gun towards them.
Update to scene on Cactus Point: Robert Barnes (36) has been arrested and charged with Murder and Tampering with a Corpse in connection with the death of his mother Lucila Barnes (72). Ms. Barnes’dismembered body was found in a crate. Sad and horrific case. #HouNews https://t.co/GbDmbYC4bS
— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) October 21, 2021
Deputies then executed a search warrant after they received “several conflicting stories” from Robert Barnes.
Homicide detectives and crime scene investigators were called to the scene to find Lucila’s body inside the home, which was later found with “signs of trauma” inside the garage, according to an earlier tweet from Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.
This is a developing story, please check back for updates.