*UPDATED* Houston Man Charged with Murder

Motive for Homicide Unclear

By Will Johnson
Messenger Reporter

HOUSTON COUNTY – A Houston man has been arrested and charged with murder following an incident during the early morning hours of Sunday, Sept. 2.

According to an affidavit of probable cause Houston County Sheriff’s office deputies were dispatched to a deer camp off of County Road 2175, in reference to a reported shooting.

CR 2175 is located between Latexo and Grapeland, west of US Highway 2817.

When the deputies arrived at the location, 51-year-old Edward Perez – also from Houston – was found dead at the scene, from apparent gunshot wounds.

As the investigation began, “Joe Fernandez (63) informed law enforcement that he had shot the decedent with his .40 caliber Smith and Wesson handgun, which was recovered at the scene,” the probable cause document stated.

After Fernandez was placed in handcuffs and read his Miranda Rights, he once again confessed to shooting Perez. Fernandez was arrested at the scene and transported to the Houston County Jail, where he was booked into custody on one count of murder.

A motive for the murder of Perez has not been provided. Under Texas state law, the murder of Perez is considered a first degree felony.

According to Section 12.32 of the Texas Penal Code, “An individual adjudged guilty of a felony of the first degree shall be punished by imprisonment in the institutional division for life or for any term of not more than 99 years or less than five years. In addition to imprisonment, an individual adjudged guilty of a felony of the first degree may be punished by a fine not to exceed $10,000.”

Bond for Fernandez has been set at $500,000.

Will Johnson may be contacted via e-mail at [email protected].