Police investigate shooting of woman in Houston gated assisted-living center

From KVUE-TV in Texas:

HOUSTON — Homicide detectives in north Houston were following up on leads Sept. 16 after the killing of a wheelchair-bound woman at a gated assisted-living center.

The 60-year-old woman’s body was found around 2 p.m. Wednesday in her apartment at Independence Hall, located on Burress near Airline. Police said she appeared to have been strangled.

"My heart really goes out to the family members of the victim," said neighbor Marcus Mata.

The woman’s caregiver found her dead in her bed, investigators said.

"She is handicapped and she can’t protect herself," said neighbor Barbara Cooper.

The victim’s apartment had been ransacked, and investigators said they believe robbery was the motive.

"The room was full of pictures and CDs and boxes lying around, a number of things could have been stolen, we just don’t know at this point," said Houston Police Department Homicide Lt. John Zitzmann.

Detectives said witnesses reported a man running from the area of the victim’s apartment in building nine around 11:30 a.m., but didn’t think much of it. Police were looking at surveillance videos from cameras posted around the complex to see if they will provide any clues.

Investigators believe three people may be involved in the woman’s killing.

The woman’s identity was being withheld, pending notification of family members.

Independence Hall does not employ medical personnel. Instead, tenants or families of tenants can hire caregivers. Due to the way the facility is set up, it is not required to be licensed by the state.

11 News checked with the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services. The agency has not received reports of abuse or problems at the senior living center.