Attorney Helen Simotas represented a 78 year old Vietnam Veteran charged with the shooting death of his brother-in-law in Houston, TX. The brother-in-law had been living with the Defendant for 3 months, after his release from prison. The brother-in-law had a lengthy criminal history and had spent 50 years in prison for Murder.

The brother-in-law became increasingly aggressive toward the Defendant during his stay at the house, prompting the Defendant to tell the brother-in-law he had to move. The Defendant, who was frail and suffering from cancer, was sitting in his bedroom when his brother-in-law burst in, rushing at the Defendant in an aggressive manner. The Defendant shot his brother-in-law in self-defense.

The HPD Detectives did not arrest or charge the Defendant, but the case was presented to the Grand Jury and he was indicted.

Gradoni & Associates Investigate Victim

During the course of our background investigation we learned that the victim was convicted of killing an inmate while serving his prison sentence for Murder. The District Attorney finally agreed to dismiss charges.

RESULT BASED ON INVESTIGATION: Dismissal of Murder Charges

Return to the February 2014 Investigator’s Newsletter

Cancer Stricken 78 Year Old Charged with Murder