Houston Police Department

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2nd UPDATE: Suspect Arrested, Charged in Female's Death at 600 Altic

Charges have ben filed against a suspect arrested in the death of a female found at 600 Altic about 7:30 a.m. on March 18, 2011.
 
The suspect, Jonathan David Stephens (b/m, DOB: 5-23-85), is charged with murder in the 230th State District Court.  He is accused in the killing of Rachel Burrell, 44, of Houston.  The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences ruled her death a homicide due to strangulation and blunt force trauma. 

A photo of suspect Stephens is attached to this news release. 
 
HPD Homicide Division Sergeants W. Elsbury, K. McGray and Senior Police Officer T. Tyler reported: 
 
Officers responded to a person down call at the above address and discovered Ms. Burrell deceased in a shallow ditch just off the roadway.  At that time, investigators had no suspects in this case. 

Physical evidence from the scene was entered into the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) and a profile was developed.  Further investigation identified Stephens as the suspect in this case and, on Monday (Jan. 22), he was arrested without incident.  Stephens has admitted to his role in Ms. Burrell's death.