Houston Police Arrest Suspect in June Murder Case, Second Suspect Sought

Authorities have taken one individual into custody and are actively searching for another in connection to a fatal shooting that occurred in late June. Terryl Shawn Richard Jr., 29, faces multiple charges including murder following the incident at a motel on Sherwood Lane. The Houston Police Department's Homicide Division, led by Detectives W. Huff and J. Nguyen, disclosed these details in a recent update shared with the public.

On the night of June 25, around 9:45 p.m., HPD officers responded to reports of gunfire at the addressed location. Upon arrival, they discovered Derrick Dewayne Smith, 31, inside a vehicle suffering from gunshot wounds, unresponsive. Despite immediate aid from the officers and subsequent care from Houston Fire Department paramedics, Smith was later pronounced dead at a local hospital. Richard, already in custody for his alleged part in this crime, now has his March 2024 booking photo circulating in press materials. Trishia Michelle Perault, 26, the second suspect, remains at large and sought her on drug-related charges.

An ongoing investigation pointed to both Richard and Perault as individuals of potential interest, providing critical information about the shooting. Richard's arrest occurred on Tuesday without any reported disturbances. Law enforcement officers booked him into the Harris County Jail and have since been charging him with murder, unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, and possession with intent to manufacture/deliver a controlled substance.

Details about Perault's involvement and her current whereabouts remain scarce, her photo accompanied by a call for public assistance is distributed in hopes of her apprehension. The Houston Police Department urges anyone with relevant knowledge to approach the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or to anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.