The Harris County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after deputies found a woman dead in her East Harris County garage Wednesday night, with her son detained nearby with a hammer.
69-year-old Eva Peavy was found dead in her East Harris County garage, with her son, Jarell Joseph, 40, detained nearby holding a hammer.
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Joseph was charged with murder and booked into the Harris County Jail.
What happened?
Deputies responded to a 911 call around 9:30 p.m. at a home on Ellesmere Drive, near Woodforest Boulevard and Normandy Street.
Authorities say the woman’s stepson arrived home, found her unresponsive in the garage with injuries, and called 911.
Last night, @HCSOTexas deputies responded to a residence at the 13200 blk of Ellesmere. Preliminary: Jarell Joseph (11-9-84) resides at the location with his mother Eva Peavy (69) and other relatives. Joseph allegedly killed
— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) February 13, 2025
1/2 pic.twitter.com/4xIrusHsiT
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Investigators say the caller’s stepbrother was inside the home and was seen holding a hammer. The man was reportedly acting strangely and did not communicate much with the caller, who kept his distance until deputies arrived.
When officers got to the scene, they detained the man, who was cooperative. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities say it is possible the hammer was used in the killing, though the exact cause of death will be determined by the medical examiner.
Sgt. Richie from HCSO’s Homicide Division said investigators are speaking with family members to understand the circumstances, as at least four adults lived in the home.
Sgt. Ritchie noted that Harris County has seen a rise in violent crimes this week, with the homicide unit responding to multiple cases.
KPRC2 Reporter Brittany Jeffers spoke with Joseph’s stepfather after the scene cleared. Curtis Peavy said he has been married to Joseph’s mother for 23 years. Peavy said Joseph has struggled with mental health issues for years.
“It was some years ago, but they diagnosed him as schizophrenic can bipolar and everything because he got into that bad stuff that synthetic weed. What do they call it? Kush and so forth,” said Peavy.
Records show Joseph was arrested in 2016 for trying to choke his mother. That case was disposed. Peavy said Eva wanted to take care of Joseph herself.
Peavy said Eva was a loving and caring mother.
“I know it’s just the peace of God that is keeping me together right now,” said Peavy.
KPRC2 Reporter Corley Peel spoke with licensed psychologist, Staci Passe about options for families in similar situations.
“Getting in with a psychiatrist or a doctor that can get them on a good medication regimen. Schizophrenia and bipolar specifically mandate medication. It is impossible to treat those disorders without medication. thinking about out-of-home placement. There are group homes that can be utilized. There can be independent living homes that can be looked into,” said Passe.
