HOUSTON – A man was been arrested and charged with murder after reportedly choking his common-law wife to death during a dispute about the way she disciplined their children in southeast Houston Tuesday, authorities said.
Jyron Charles Lee, 26, appeared in court Wednesday night. His bond was set at $250,000.
Officers with the Houston Police Department responded to reports of what they initially called a “custody battle” between Lee and his 22-year-old wife Nancy Reed at an extended stay hotel located at 525 Bay Area Blvd. around 8:30 p.m.
Officers said when they arrived at the scene, they talked to the couple and were able to settle the dispute without incident or injury.
Later that night, police said they received a call around 11:30 p.m. from Lee saying he put the woman in a chokehold after claiming she had choked their 3-year-old child. Lee told investigators Reed attempted to choke him next but he tucked his head and prevented her from grabbing him. He then held the victim’s arms from behind and put her in a chokehold, investigators said.
In court, prosecutors said Reed was beginning to get to free from Lee, so he wrestled her to the floor and wrapped his legs around her while also having his arms around her neck. Lee told investigators he held the victim in position until she became unresponsive. At that point, he called 911.
Precinct 8 deputies arrived at the scene and found the woman unconscious on the floor, investigators said. Deputies said the woman was transported to HCA Hospital - Clear Lake but was later pronounced dead.
The victim’s identity has not yet been released.
The children that were in the home at the time the incident occurred were reportedly not injured. They are now in Child Protective Services’ care as officials try to place them in the custody of family members, authorities said.
Anyone with additional information in this case is urged to contact the HPD Homicide Division at (713) 308-3600 or Crime Stoppers at (713) 222-TIPS.