HOUSTON, July 15, 2024 – Ralph Sample, 67, has been charged with murder in connection with the stabbing death of Paulette Francis, 62. The incident occurred at 8435 Tidwell Road around 2:55 p.m. on Monday.
Houston Police Department (HPD) officers discovered Francis unresponsive, covered by blankets, following a report of a deceased person at the location. Houston Fire Department paramedics pronounced her dead at the scene. An investigation revealed that Francis had sustained multiple stab wounds.
A witness who visited the location to check on Francis found her unresponsive, leading to further investigation. Sample, the victim’s partner, was identified as the suspect. He was arrested on Wednesday (July 17) following a separate incident and confessed to his involvement in Francis’ death. He has been booked into the Harris County Jail and faces charges in the 482nd State District Court.
