Suspect Arrested, Charged in Fatal Stabbing at 5440 Braesvalley Drive

October 14, 2024- Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in the fatal stabbing of a woman at 5440 Braesvalley Drive about 2:30 p.m. on Saturday (Oct. 12).

The suspect, Michael E. West, 48, is charged with murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in the 180th State District Court. A booking photo of West is attached to this news release.

The identity of the victim, 33, is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

HPD Homicide Division Detectives H. Martinez and S. Chettry reported:

Officers were dispatched to an initial report of a shooting at an apartment at the above address and found a woman unresponsive with multiple stab (not gunshot) wounds in her apartment. Paramedics pronounced the victim deceased.

A witness reported seeing a male suspect in the victim's apartment. While on the scene, officers received a phone call from a male who wanted to turn himself in for questioning. After further investigation, it was determined the male (West) was the suspect in this case. Detectives consulted with the Harris County District Attorney's Office and charges were filed on West. He was transported and booked into the Harris County Jail.